Restless Leg Syndrome and Chiropractic Care

Restless Leg Syndrome is a nervous system disorder characterised by the uncontrollable urge to move the legs. This is a widely common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, negatively impacting quality of life and significantly creating sleep disturbances 1.  In conjunction with the irrepressible urge to move the legs, restless leg syndrome is usually accompanied with sensations such as itching, tingling, and crawling. Symptoms tend to worsen during long periods of inactivity or at night.
Chiropractic care focuses on promoting musculoskeletal and nervous system health through numerous techniques and methods. Chiropractic care can help manage symptoms associated with restless leg syndrome through:

• Spinal alignment: Chiropractors offer spinal manipulation and adjustments; they can identify misalignments or subluxation in the spine which could be contributing to nerve interference or disruption. By restoring appropriate alignment, it can alleviate tension and pressure on the nervous system potentially improving restless leg symptoms.
• Improved Circulation: Adjustments can enhance blood flow and circulation throughout the body ensuring optimal blood supply to the legs, this may alleviate the discomfort and restlessness in the legs 2. Improved circulation also aids in reducing inflammation and promoting healing within the body.
• Lifestyle recommendations: Chiropractors as holistic healthcare practitioners can offer guidance on health and wellbeing for patients. They can recommend lifestyle modifications, exercises, and stretches that can complement other treatment for the condition as well as incorporating factors like physical activity, supplements, stress reduction and sleep hygiene.

Chiropractic care offers a holistic and non-invasive approach to managing restless leg syndrome. They do this by focusing on a multifactorial approach with spinal alignment, improving circulation and providing lifestyle recommendations. Consult one of our experienced Chiropractors for more information about how chiropractic care can be integrated into your treatment plan for management of restless leg syndrome.


References:

1. Manconi, M., Garcia-Borreguero, D., Schormair, B., Videnovic, A., Berger, K., Ferri, R., & Dauvilliers, Y. (2021). Restless legs syndrome. Nature reviews Disease primers, 7(1), 80. 
2. Guay, A., Houle, M., O'Shaughnessy, J., & Descarreaux, M. (2020). Current evidence on diagnostic criteria, relevant outcome measures, and efficacy of nonpharmacologic therapy in the management of restless legs syndrome (RLS): a scoping review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 43(9), 930-941.