'Growing pains' improve with adjustment

Five-year-old Yesenia had suffered for two years from knee pain. Sometimes it got so bad she would cry, or couldn't sleep.

Her mom, Claudia, tried giving her Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Her medical doctor said it was growing pains and would just take time before it got better.

Claudia, a patient at Reinecke Chiropractic Clinic, brought Yesenia along to an appointment. "At the beginning, she said, 'You know what Mommy, I want an adjustment,'" Claudia said.

So Dr. Reinecke gave her an adjustment. Claudia said Yesenia was a little surprised when he pulled on her leg, but she didn't cry or complain.

"She said, 'I am feeling better,'" Claudia said.

Yesenia has had three adjustments, and noticed a difference right away. Claudia said her daughter has only complained about her knee once or twice since the first adjustment. Before the adjustment, she complained every night about the pain.

"I think this was the best thing I can do for her, I'm happy for that," Claudia said. "I really like the idea she doesn't have to take medicine, even ibuprofen or Tylenol. I think she's too small for that to give it to her every night."

Dr. Reinecke said what is often referred to as growing pains could be a sign of something wrong that can be fixed with a chiropractic adjustment. It didn't take long for Dr. Reinecke to find out through muscle testing that it was a low back problem. He pulled on Yesenia's leg while an assistant held a spot on her abdomen.

"She had this look of wonderment and amazement, but she wasn't scared," Dr. Reinecke said.

Dr. Reinecke said low back disk problems can lead to pain elsewhere, including ankle weakness, knee problems, or other symptoms. And it doesn't always produce constant symptoms. In adults, the pain could be constant. But since children are always moving, they may not realize it hurts when they're playing and running around, but become aware of the pain when they sit down.

Adjustments can help children the same way they help adults. No one is too old or too young for chiropractic care. If you or someone you know is suffering from pain, call Reinecke Chiropractic Clinic at 605-335-0880 and schedule an appointment.