Restless Leg Syndrome, also recently renamed Willis-Ekbom Disease (WED), is a neurological condition associated with abnormal sensations in the legs.
The disorder affects more than 5 million adults in the United States, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Typically, the sensations appear when an individual is trying to relax, or sitting for long periods. Moving diminishes the sensations, but in the evening and during sleep, symptoms worsen, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Additionally, studies have shown that the severity of the pain and the duration of the pain grows stronger and longer with age.
There are four primary features of Restless Leg Syndrome:
- Uncomfortable sensation in the legs with a clear need or urge to move the legs
- The symptoms are worse at night
- The symptoms come on with rest
- The symptoms are relieved with movement
Symptoms
The sensations are described as something crawling on the skin, tingling, cramping, burning, aching, gnawing, itchy, electrical, and painful. For some people, their legs are so sensitive that they cannot stand to have sheets or blankets covering them at night.
The symptoms are brought on with rest (sitting or lying down). The more comfortable the patient becomes, the more likely the symptoms will occur. However, the reverse is also true – the less comfortable the patient is, the less likely he or she will experience symptoms. Thus, some patients may find it easier to sleep on a hard floor than in a comfortable bed. Since rest often brings on manifestations of Restless Leg Syndrome, activities that require prolonged sitting, such as traveling long distances or going to movies, are often avoided.
Restless Legs Syndrome should not be confused with leg cramps. A Restless Legs Syndrome patient may describe feeling “cramps,” yet, with cramps, there is definite knotting of the muscle. On the other hand, restless leg syndrome can also include severe local muscle pain. This is considered an underdiagnosed condition, and its symptoms are frequently ascribed to stress and anxiety
Chiropractic Care and Restless Leg Syndrome
Since restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder, it makes sense to check and see if a dysfunction of the nervous system may be causing the problem. Whenever nerves are not functioning well, the areas that the nerves go to will not function well either. Many of the nerves that exit out of the lower spine travel down and control the muscles of the legs. Irritation to nerves going to these muscles can cause them to become restless. By ensuring the proper nerve flow, through chiropractic care, many cases of restless leg syndrome improve.
In addition, since for many individuals tight muscles in the legs cause them to twitch and not be able to rest properly, a properly trained chiropractor can help the muscles to relax and rest when they should be resting.
Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome in Augusta GA
As experienced chiropractors in Augusta GA, we have successfully treated patients for restless leg syndrome. Through our customized treatments, we are able to personalize your care specifically for your condition. By focusing on the core issues that create the symptoms in the first place, we have been able to relieve restless leg syndrome sufferers with symptoms associated with the disorder. You can contact us for a complimentary consultation to find out if our personalized treatments may be beneficial in correcting your restless leg syndrome.
The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.
Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized care. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractor in Augusta GA and a chiropractor in Evans GA that provides customized treatments.
You can schedule your appointment by calling our friendly staff at (706) 814-5053 or use our online form.
