One of the primary focuses for chiropractic treatment is back pain, but chiropractors can actually provide treatment for many conditions. In fact, chiropractors can offer treatments for many musculoskeletal issues. That means things like restless leg syndrome may be treated partially by a chiropractor. Here are a few things your chiropractor would want you to know about restless leg syndrome and its treatments.

What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome causes overwhelming and unexplainable urges to move your legs. That urge can be marked by tingling, pain, and waves of nerve response in the legs. The biggest challenge when dealing with restless leg syndrome is the fact that there is no single cause nor treatment. In addition, there are many neurological conditions that can contribute to those symptoms.

The symptoms of restless leg syndrome can be minimal or can progress to more severe discomfort. The discomfort isn't consistent, as it can come and go. That makes treatment challenging because you're treating something that can vary widely in both severity and symptoms.

What Treatments Are Available For Restless Leg Syndrome?

When it comes to treating restless leg syndrome, many doctors start with dietary changes. They'll recommend that you avoid the foods that are known to cause inflammation and problems. If you're still struggling with symptoms, you may be referred to a chiropractor before beginning medications. Things like massage, physical therapy, and chiropractic care may help to address some of your symptoms.

When those treatment options are exhausted, or if they are insufficient, your doctor may suggest that you take a prescription medication designed to manage the symptoms and control the pain. In most cases, that medication is prescribed to work in conjunction with your other treatments.

What Can A Chiropractor Do For Your Symptoms?

If you've been referred to a chiropractor, you might be wondering how he or she can help you. In fact, chiropractors have many different treatments and therapies that can help you with your discomfort. In addition to spinal adjustments, your chiropractor will also offer you tissue massage and joint therapy to help improve your condition.

He or she will probably begin with a test of your physical range of motion. This helps to create a benchmark of your skeletal functions. This range of motion test will be followed by a series of x-rays to rule out any physical problems that could be causing your symptoms.

Once those benchmarks are defined, you'll start routine treatments like pelvic strengthening exercises, physical back manipulation, and similar therapies. These treatments will help to relieve the pressure on the nerves in your lower body, which may ease the strain in your joints. Since those joints and nerves directly contribute to the pain, this kind of treatment can make a big difference. When you ease the stress on your nerves, it can minimize the pain that radiates from the joints and can soothe the tense, pinched nerves.

Unfortunately, that relief may not last long-term. You'll need to plan for routine visits to maintain the benefits. Along with the in-office treatments, you might be told to perform stretches and physical therapy exercises at home too. Those exercises will be geared toward maintaining your circulation and your nerve control. Make sure that you keep up with them in order to get the most possible benefit from the treatment cycle.

If you believe that you may have restless leg syndrome, you need to talk with you primary care doctor first. He or she will help you evaluate your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan. You can then request a referral to a local chiropractor for extra treatment if you believe that it might help. For more information on how chiropractic services can benefit you, contact a location such as Hiler Chiropractic and Vax-D Decompression Center.