I was wondering if spinal problems can cause or contribute to RLS.
I've had lower back issues for years, but recently I've also been having a lot of shoulder and neck problems too.
I've been to see a physio, I've changed my pillow and have been making an effort to sit supported properly in a chair. My restless legs have been better recently and I wondered if it was just a coincidence or if anyone else had found the same thing.
Many thanks for commenting.
I have several bad joints and I find that pain from my knees or hips can make the RLS many times worse, in fact I could be RLS free except for say pain in my left hip causing restlessness down my left leg.
Are you doing any exercises? I find when I am doing Yoga regularly in the evenings that symptoms of RLS are reduced and even when I am in a bad bout of RLS I can get some ease from stretching.
I'm not sure if that answers you question but hope it at least makes sense.
Thanks a lot Raff's. Yes I'm doing exercises which are helping with the shoulder problem. I also find stretching helps s lot too.
Hi Columbine, glad you have found some relief, interesting. I have seen quite a few references in articles and on the RLS-uk.org website to connections between spinal issues and RLS and it seems a generally accepted thing. I personally have had some spine problems and still have neural issues odd sensations etc. and I’ve found that my RLS got worse as the sensations increased although I believe I have idiopathic RLS which can also increase with age so it’s difficult to know for sure. I also find my RLS and sensations worsen significantly with intense exercise and I wonder whether exercise is exciting the nerves which are already sensitive. There are a couple of studies I’ve seen which are linking RLS with nerve excitation (which can be increased with neuropathy) and the links are below. I stress I am not medically qualified and this is just my thoughts and observations.
You’re description sounds very close to mine. I had a lumber discectomy in September and also have neck issues exacerbated by lying down so much and reading in odd position . I’m convinced my RLS and strange nerve sensations and pain is linked to my spinal issues. I think my neck problems affect my whole body from head to feet. If I stretch my neck up I feel tingling in my feet. I’ve had RLS for some years but it’s def worse since my back lockup and surgery.
Your problems could all be caused by inflammation. Inflammation of the nerves making them more sensitive resulting in rls, and inflammation in the joints. The inflammation could be caused by high insulin levels because of a high carb diet, a nightshade intolerance, a gluten intolerance, or less likely heavy metal poisoning.
Hi. I can't say it's related but, I to suffer greatly with lower back/hip problems. Also, the right hand side of my neck. As I've had RLS all my life & I'm almost 70, I've never connected the two, just did the "It's my age" thing. It's difficult to find out with the Covid situation. My GP isn't doing Face to Face & they can't see the twitching, jerking legs or the grimaces with pain. When/if I can I'll mention it. I just hope you're not suffering too much or too long
Although RLS is a central nervous disease, things "downstream from the brain" can exacerbate it. I have had an exacerbation of my RLS in my right leg since my L4-L5 "diskapathy" has flared up again, 20 years after I had a microdiscectomy in 2000. This is despite being on methadone. I have been having to take supplemental oxycodone in the evening and rarely during the day.
For what it is worth;
Jerold in Citrus Park, FL USA
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