Restless leg syndrome can be a real pain – literally. If you’re dealing with this condition, you may be wondering if chiropractic care can help.
Here’s the good news: chiropractic has been shown to be an effective treatment for restless leg syndrome. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that patients who received chiropractic adjustments experienced significant improvements in their symptoms.
If you’re suffering from restless
What is restless leg syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a disorders that causes an urge to move the legs. This urge is usually accompanied by a crawling, tingling, or prickling sensation in the legs. RLS is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease.
There is no known cure for RLS, but there are treatments that can help lessen the symptoms. Chiropractic care is one possible treatment for RLS. Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Adjustments to the spine and extremities can help ease nerve compression and relieve pain. Massage therapy and electrical stimulation are other possible treatments that may be recommended by a chiropractor.
What causes restless leg syndrome?
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as the cause of restless leg syndrome (RLS) is not yet known. However, there are several theories as to what may contribute to the development of RLS, including:
-An imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and iron
-A family history of RLS
-Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and anemia
-Pregnancy
-Certain medications, such as antinausea drugs and antipsychotics
If you believe you may be suffering from RLS, it is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
How can chiropractic help relieve restless leg syndrome?
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as each person’s experience with chiropractic care will be unique. However, many people who have received chiropractic care for restless leg syndrome report experiencing significant relief from their symptoms.
Chiropractic care for restless leg syndrome often focuses on providing relief for the nerves and muscles that are associated with the condition. This can help to reduce inflammation and tension in the affected area, which can in turn help to reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms.
If you are considering seeking chiropractic care for your restless leg syndrome, it is important to choose a practitioner who has experience treating this condition. If you are unsure where to start, your primary care doctor may be able to provide a referral.
What are some other treatments for restless leg syndrome?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for restless leg syndrome (RLS), but there are a number of options that may help relieve your symptoms. Some people find relief with lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, managing stress, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Others may need medication to control their symptoms.
If lifestyle changes don’t work, your doctor may prescribe dopaminergic drugs, such as levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet), ropinirole (Requip), or pramipexole (Mirapex). These medications can help relieve RLS symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain.
Another option is iron supplementation. Iron is a mineral that plays a role in the production of dopamine. People with RLS often have low iron levels, so increasing iron intake may help relieve symptoms. Your doctor can order a blood test to check your iron levels and determine if supplementation is necessary.
In some cases, other medications may be used to treat RLS. These include anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin) or pregabalin (Lyrica); opioids, such as oxycodone or tramadol; and antispasmodics, such as diazepam (Valium) or baclofen (Lioresal).
Some people with RLS find relief with chiropractic care. Chiropractors use manual adjustments to the spine and extremities to relieve pain and improve function. Some studies suggest that chiropractic care may be helpful in treating RLS, though more research is needed.
If you’re struggling with RLS symptoms, talk to your doctor about treatment options that may be right for you.
How can I prevent restless leg syndrome?
There is no known cure for restless leg syndrome (RLS), but there are treatments that can help lessen the symptoms. Some people find relief by taking iron supplements or by taking medications that help with nerve pain or muscle spasms. Others find that massages and acupuncture help to reduce their symptoms. Some people find that making lifestyle changes, such as exercising more and cutting back on caffeine, helps as well.
When should I see a doctor for restless leg syndrome?
If your legs feel uncomfortable and you have the urge to move them, you may have restless leg syndrome (RLS). This condition can make it hard to sleep. You may feel better after moving your legs or taking a hot bath.
For some people, RLS is temporary and goes away on its own. But for others, it’s a chronic condition that gets worse over time. It can happen at any age, but it’s more common in older adults.
If you think you might have RLS, see your doctor. He or she can rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.
How can I cope with restless leg syndrome?
There is no cure for restless leg syndrome (RLS), but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. Many people with RLS find that their symptoms get worse at night, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Here are some tips for coping with RLS:
- try to keep a regular sleep schedule
- get up and move around every few hours to keep your legs from getting too stiff
- avoid caffeine and alcohol
- stretch your legs before bedtime
- massage your legs to relax them
- see a doctor if your symptoms are severe or are affecting your quality of life
What research is being done on restless leg syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move one’s legs. The primary symptom of RLS is usually an overwhelming need to move the legs while resting or lying down, which alleviates the discomfort temporarily. RLS can occur at any age, but it typically begins in middle age or later. The condition affects women more often than men.
There is no cure for RLS, but it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Some people with mild RLS may not require treatment.
There is currently no cure for RLS, and there is limited research on the condition. However, scientists are beginning to better understand the causes of RLS and are working on developing more effective treatments.
