The Mayo Clinic says: "Damage or injury of the spinal cord has been linked to RLS. Having had anesthesia to the spinal cord, such as a spinal block, also increases the risk of developing RLS."
The link between lower back pain, spinal damage, manipulation, surgery and RLS gets raised here periodically. For example Joolsg wrote 6 months ago, in a reply to another post here about back damage and surgery:
"There are lots of reports on here of back surgery worsening RLS. There are some theories that spinal damage inhibits the flow of dopamine. This is why we need more research. I firmly believe there are several separate causes for RLS and spinal damage is one of them. Any damage to the spine or discs seems to be a trigger/cause of RLS. Mine is caused by spinal cord scarring from my MS. Some people report relief after specialist osteopathy."
Interesting, my husband was diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis at Christmas and we discussed the RLS/PLMD with the chiropractor he was seeing. They got an xray and said there is a lot of arthritis and decompression and it could affect the rls. It does seem after each treatment he feels better for a couple of days. He is seeing them twice a week now. Got a referral for spine consultant but on NHS waiting list is about 18minths!!! Maybe there is a connection for some people.
Oh Gordon Bennett! I’ve never even heard of this link before!!! I’ve had RLS 7 yrs. I’ve had back problems for over 30yrs at least 2 prolapsed discs with reoccurance a number of times, lumbar and thoracic spine injuries and about this time last year I had emergency spinal surgery for Cauda Equina Syndrome. I find this ‘new’ revelation very worrying, especially as since coming off Pramipexole and going onto Pregabalin in the last 9 months, night time RLS & PLMD have recently got worse. I am experimenting with splitting my Pregab dose now but it’s early days to say if there’s been any real or lasting change. Peachy!😥
I believe my RLS was present for a long time in a very mild form (I.e. primary RLS) but got a degree worse when I had back problems several years ago with discs touching nerves and causing some pain initially which reduced to odd sensations in legs and feet. However with care and management of my back issues it doesn’t see to be a significant factor and other things such as diet and exercise have much greater effects.
No one else in my family suffers from RLS. I had spinal fusion surgery in my 20's for scoliosis. I began having RLS symptoms in my 50's. Of course there were other coincidental factors such as long term Citalopram use, but I think my back surgery was a discriminating cause.
The first inking of rls coming on is in my lower back.I have no back issues per say but according to Orthopedic surgeon there is lumbar deterioration in lower spine due to aging.
I have no real pain in that area but can feel a sensation like bruising if massaged. I really think if this area becomes inflamed, it triggers rls.
I am careful about where I sit and for how long.
Use CBD cream (750 mg) as soon as I feel a twinge.
Use Therapulse if I'm going to sit any length of time BEFORE I feel any
sensations. Use a sleep pillow under my knees at night.
I do take Ropinirole .9mg at night,
( I can't take gabapentin or opiods due to stage 4 copd) broken into 3 stages, .25mg xanax and watch for food, meds and
other triggers.
Haven't had a flair up in a month.
Hopefully this regimen will continue to keep it at bay but one never knows.
I have spinal stenosis and very weirdly, my rls when it flares up causes me to spasm at hip level...so this is relatable.Some physio has relieved my symptoms, but then again I am on pregabalin as well.
When I was younger, I had rls in the typical pkaces like my lower legs... I suspect that was my high dose of antidepressants !
I liked this person, as he only made suggestions, and didn't say it was a CURE !
Though sis may be relevant to a few people for most people correlation doesn't mean causation, more likely that inflammatory foods are causing both problems
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