A Chiropractic Approach to Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome is a condition where people have an irresistible urge to move their legs and feet, especially when they go to bed at night. It is also classified as a sleep disorder because people have difficulty sleeping because of the symptoms and irritability associated with it. People describe it as an uncomfortable, creepy crawly feeling in their legs. They also often describe having numbness and tingling in their legs and feet.

It is believed that irritation to the nervous system may be the main cause of this syndrome. Certain diseases that include irritation to the nervous syndrome such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and peripheral neuropathy often include restless leg syndrome.

There is no specific test to diagnose restless leg syndrome. Diagnosis is usually made from the patient's answer to questions relating to their symptoms, family history, sleep deprivation and medication use. Other diseases or conditions are usually ruled out first.

Lifestyle changes have been found to be beneficial in helping those with restless leg syndrome. These include a regular exercise program including muscle strengthening and exercises. It is especially important to do stretches and strengthening of the low back and pelvis as these have found to be the most helpful.

Since sleep deprivation is correlated with restless leg syndrome, helping people to establish regular sleeping patterns has been shown to be beneficial. It is important to go to bed at the same time each day as much as possible. Avoiding caffeine, tobacco and alcohol has also been shown to be beneficial.

Chiropractors have specific training in the biomechanics of the body and the nervous system. People with restless leg syndrome report great improvement with chiropractic care. Chiropractors help by performing specific adjustments to help stabilize the pelvis and low back. Chiropractors can also prescribe stretches and strengthening exercises for the low back and pelvis.

They can also perform therapeutic modalities to help relax muscles in the low back and legs which are often affected with restless leg syndrome. These modalities might include electric muscle stimulation, Vibromassage or ultrasound. Electric muscle stimulation works to fatigue tight muscles in the low back or other areas of the body. Ultrasound can help to decrease inflammation. Vibromassage is often used to help relax the muscles and help to stimulate blood flow to the area. Cold laser therapy is a newer therapeutic modality which has also shown to be effective. Chiropractic should be considered as an effective approach to restless leg syndrome.