Restless Leg Syndrome and Back Pain
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is characterized by involuntary twitching of the legs, itching, burning and trouble sleeping. Back pain is a less-common symptom of restless leg syndrome and is often attributed to a different underlying problem, such as sciatica or trauma. In cases where back pain and restless leg syndrome exist simultaneously, a patient should seek treatment designed to cure both. Such treatment usually involves mild exercise and techniques such as massage therapy.
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Symptoms
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Restless leg syndrome causes several symptoms, the most noticeable of which are atypical sensations in the legs and insomnia. A person with restless leg syndrome may experience sensations of burning or crawling in the legs, an inability to stop twitching, trouble sleeping and (more uncommonly) back pain.
Misconceptions
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Because pain is a natural and common symptom of restless leg syndrome, it is sometimes misdiagnosed as back pain. Other common misdiagnoses of restless leg syndrome include insomnia, arthritis and nocturnal cramps. Because restless leg syndrome primarily affects sleep patterns and muscles in the legs, back pain is not a typical symptom of RLS. Speak with a doctor if you have restless leg syndrome and simultaneously experience back pain. You may have another underlying condition responsible for your back pain.
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Causes
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As mentioned earlier, back pain and restless leg syndrome usually stem from separate sources. For example, restless leg syndrome can be caused by hereditary factors, iron deficiency, kidney disease, preexisting conditions or brain dysfunction. Back pain can be caused by trauma, herniated disks, spinal injury or sciatica. The occurrence of both restless leg syndrome and back pain may be a result of neuropathy (damage to the nerves). Back pain may also be caused indirectly by restless leg syndrome as a result of poor sleeping posture or improper support.
Massage Therapy
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Massage therapy may be prescribed for individuals suffering from both back pain and restless leg syndrome. Massage therapy sessions typically last anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, but they can be tailored to meet individual needs and preferences. During a session, a massage therapist may use techniques such as acupressure, acupuncture, friction, shiatsu or Swedish massage. These techniques are designed to promote circulation and rest while reducing muscle pain.
Exercise
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The website Talk About Sleep suggests that individuals suffering from restless leg syndrome and back pain engage in mild exercise to relieve symptoms. Exercise should be performed in a comfortable environment during the late afternoon and should involve extensions of the legs, calves and thighs. For example, yoga and t'ai chi combine leg extensions with moderate stretching and can be practiced at home on a mat or carpet. These exercises increase circulation to affected areas of the body and may help dull pain. Exercise may also help reduce the occurrence of restless legs, particularly at night.
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