Help for Restless Legs
By Sara Butler
Life is busy, and many people find it difficult to get enough sleep at night to be healthy and function at their best. When you have a condition such as restless leg syndrome (RLS), it can be even harder to get a good night’s sleep! If you are having trouble sleeping comfortably at night due to RLS or you wake up a lot, then here’s what you need to know about RLS and how the chiropractor can help.
What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
RLS is a condition that impacts the legs when you’re at rest. A lot of people think about it in terms of sleeping at night, but it can happen any time you’re sitting or lying down. It’s considered a neurological disorder, meaning that it stems from a problem with the nerves in the leg. You may experience uncomfortable sensations in the legs that make you feel as if you have to constantly move them in order to find relief.
The Symptoms
RLS is not just limited to the legs as the name implies but can impact the hands, arms, and legs. You should look for symptoms such as:
- Itching, cramping, burning or tingling in the limbs
- Crawling sensations, like an insect on you
- Feelings of tension that require you to move
- Leg sensations at night that wake you
- Problems sitting, standing, or lying down for more than 30 minutes
- Relief from sensations by moving
What Causes RLS?
RLS is not fully understood, but it’s thought that it may be caused by:
- Pregnancy complications
- Iron deficiency
- Kidney disease
- Nerve inflammation
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes
- Heredity
- Alcohol consumption
- Medications
What Can Be Done?
The chiropractors at The Joint will evaluate you to see if you have a nerve compression issue that may be behind your RLS symptoms. If so, then a treatment plan will be discussed to help control and resolve your symptoms. Treatments recommended include:
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic adjustment
- Stretches and exercises
- Nutritional counseling
When you visit The Joint, the chiropractors can help you determine what is causing your problem. Imagine how much more enjoyable life can be with a full night’s sleep or the ability to sit through a movie again without restless legs! If you aren’t positive your symptoms are linked to RLS, you should have an evaluation done anyway to help you understand what is causing your problems!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
