As a child grows, their body undergoes many changes and usually this happens correctly and painlessly. However, sometimes this is not the case. The following are all areas which can put undue stresses and strains on a growing body:

• ‘growing pains’ – these can be due to a pull from tight muscles and ligaments which have yet to catch up after a growth spurt in the bones
• heavy school bags – these can cause neck and back pain and can also influence the way the spine develops
• slouching posture – this is especially common in those who are ‘tall for their age’
• computers, tablets and mobile phones – an increasing amount of time is spent at electronic devices, especially laptops, and it is not uncommon for a child to sit and use them on their beds or at other makeshift ‘desks’
• sports and activities – although it is obviously great for children to participate in physical activities, care should be taken if there is any sudden increase in intensity or focus on a particular sport
• fashion – keeping up with fashion can sometimes lead children to wear, for example, incorrect or ill-fitting footwear
• accidents – knocks and falls are all part of growing up but if they happen on a regular basis or a child has a serious accident, without correct treatment from a relevant health professional it may predispose the child to problems in later life
• eyes – regular eye checks are very important as undiagnosed problems could cause, for example, frequent headaches

The above can lead to symptoms such as neck and back pain, headaches, postural strains, an inability to relax, joint pains and muscle spasms, whether acute or chronic.

Osteopathic techniques are suitable for children at all stages of development. We can assess your child to see if we can be of help. Osteopaths can also give advice on, for example, posture and sometimes a child will listen to the advice when it is not given by ‘nagging’ Mum, Dad or Teacher.

CASE HISTORY

Patient: 10-year-old male

Presenting symptoms: ‘Clicking’ knees, pain in the shins and calves, lower back and between shoulder blades. On examination the patient had poor posture, weakness in his right thigh muscles, a slight flat foot on the left and a general decreased mobility throughout his spine.

Previous History: Unremarkable history, no traumas or previous treatment although the patient was doing sports on a concrete floor at school. Also he was incredibly tall for his age and had just undergone a growth spurt.

Treatment: 4 treatments over a 1-year period to improve the patient’s spinal mobility, posture and release tension in his calf muscles, provision of suitable exercises to strengthen his thigh muscles and ongoing monitoring of his flat foot. Overall, the patient had greatly improved, his running had changed for the better and his episodes of pain and clicking knees had significantly reduced.

Please feel free to contact us if you wish to discuss further whether we can help you.