Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 8/5/2009

Question
Can restless leg syndrome be treated by a Chiropractor?

Answer
Francis,

There is no substantial body of evidence to suggest that spinal manipulation can help someone with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). RLS appears to be a neurological problem involving defective receptors and/or problems with certain neurotransmitters. The exact cause is unknown, and people who suffer with RLS present with a variety of symptoms that tend to disrupt their sleep.

According to a 2007 e-medicine article (Restless Legs Syndrome: Treatment & Medication):

         o Patients with mild RLS who are sensitive to caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine should avoid these substances. Offending medications also should be discontinued. Mild exercise is helpful in some patients. In general, physical measures are only partially or temporarily helpful. Behavioral treatments with circadian adjustments permit later sleep times.
         o Some patients benefit from different physical modalities, such as hot or cold baths, whirlpool baths, limb massage, or vibratory or electrical stimulation of the feet and toes before bedtime.
         o Supplementation to correct vitamin deficiencies, electrolytes, or iron may improve symptoms in some patients. In iron deficiency, for example, ferrous sulfate 325 mg may be given with 250 mg of vitamin C. Absorption is increased by taking this on an empty stomach and waiting 60 minutes before eating.
         o Patients with prominent varicose veins in the legs may benefit from Ted hose.
         o Those with uremia or anemia may find relief after kidney transplantation or correction of anemia, respectively.

Diet

Patients with RLS who are sensitive to caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine should avoid these substances.

Additionally, according to a 2008 article in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (Restless legs syndrome in a primary contact setting: a case report), one patient with RLS sought naturopathic treatment, which was based on a dietary assessment and included magnesium supplementation and dietary advice. He reported that after taking magnesium supplements, decreasing coffee and increasing protein intake, his leg symptoms improved approximately 65% at the two week follow-up.

I hope that this helps to answer your question.