RLS - Could it be linked to back issues?

[GaryHB]

Hi. I wonder if anyone has any insight into this issue or possibly has had a similar experience? I experience RLS in only 1 leg - my right leg. Another related issue I have noticed is pain in my groin when I lift my right leg - not my left leg which would suggest a back issue. When I went to a neurologist some time back, she checked my nerve reflexes in both legs and there was very little response from my right leg. She said I must have a lumbar problem affecting the nerves in my right leg. So there seems to be a lumbar issue which affects my right leg which is the leg I have RLS in. One thing I have found is that if I am experiencing RLS and I get down on my knees and bend over and stretch my lumbar region it usually eases the RLS. Does anyone know if RLS could be triggered by a back/nerve issue? Could it be resolved then if the back/nerve issue was resolved?

[Munroist]

Yes, it’s generally accepted that neuropathy can be a cause for RLS. Or possibly slightly more accurate to say that if you have RLS you have a higher chance of having neuropathy I had a back issue a few years ago with sciatica type symptoms and it seemed to coincide with my RLS becoming a real problem.

Before that I occasionally had symptoms but the back problem raised everything up a level and meant I started getting up at nights and was a lot more twitchy. Overall, my back problem is a lot better and day to day doesn’t cause me any issues although I still have altered sensation in my feet but the RLS is still present, I don’t know why neuropathy seems to make RLS worse, it’s possibly due to the nerves being overstimulated or aggravated which amplifies any existing RLS condition.

The connection is referred to in this Wikipedia entry.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Res...

And here

rls-uk.org/diagnosis

Other people on the forum have posted that their RLS got worse or started when they had significant surgery such as knee operations. These may have affected the nerves.

[GaryHB in reply to Munroist]

Thank you so much. That makes a lot of sense. It's likely they are connected but the nerves issues don't necessarily cause the rls but can make it worse. Appreciate the reply. Thanks again. It helped.

[GaryHB in reply to Munroist]

The wikipedia article was very good! Thanks for sending it.

[Joolsg]

Many people report that their RLS is greatly reduced by having osteopathy. You could try it and see if any 'trapped nerves' can be relieved.Many RLS patients suffer back issues or spinal damage.

[GaryHB in reply to Joolsg]

That is so interesting! Thank you for telling me that. Much appreciated.