How to Shake Restless Leg Syndrome

Have you ever been winding down after a long day, ready to sink into the couch with your favorite show, only to feel an overwhelming urge to move your legs? You’re not alone. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often striking during the quiet moments when you just want to relax.


What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless Leg Syndrome is exactly what it sounds like—a neurological condition that gives you an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation. These sensations are often described as tingling, itching, or crawling feelings that make it hard to keep your legs still. The kicker? These symptoms are most likely to show up in the evening or at night, just when you're trying to unwind or get some sleep.


Why Does Restless Leg Syndrome Happen?

The exact cause of RLS isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control muscle movements. When dopamine levels are low or its signals are disrupted, it can lead to the involuntary leg movements associated with RLS.


Several factors can increase your risk of developing RLS, including genetics, iron deficiency, pregnancy, and certain chronic conditions like diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. Even lifestyle factors, such as lack of sleep or excessive caffeine intake, can trigger or worsen symptoms.


Preventing Restless Leg Syndrome

While some causes of RLS are out of our control, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing these annoying symptoms.

  1. Get Moving: Regular physical activity can help keep RLS at bay. Whether it’s a daily walk around your Buffalo neighborhood or a quick spin on the bike, staying active can improve circulation and keep your leg muscles happy.
  2. Cut Back on Caffeine: Love your daily cup of coffee? You might want to rethink that afternoon espresso. Caffeine can exacerbate RLS symptoms, so try cutting back, especially in the latter part of the day.
  3. Prioritize Sleep: A consistent sleep schedule is essential. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help regulate your body’s internal clock and reduce the likelihood of RLS symptoms.
  4. Try Magnesium Spray: Magnesium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in muscle function and relaxation. A magnesium deficiency has been linked to RLS, and applying magnesium spray to your legs before bed can help ease the symptoms. Plus, it’s easy to use—just spray, rub it in, and relax! Conveniently, we sell magnesium spray right here at our Buffalo chiropractic and massage office, so be sure to pick some up during your next visit.


Treating Restless Leg Syndrome

If RLS is already giving you grief, there are treatments that can help. Chiropractic care and massage therapy, like the services we offer at our office, can provide significant relief. By improving circulation, relaxing tense muscles, and correcting any misalignments in the spine, chiropractic adjustments and targeted massage therapy can reduce the severity of RLS symptoms.


In some cases, your primary care provider may recommend medication to manage RLS, especially if it’s severe. But for many people, lifestyle changes and supportive therapies like the ones we offer can make a big difference.


Let Us Help You

Don’t let Restless Leg Syndrome keep you from enjoying your evenings or getting a good night’s sleep. Our Buffalo chiropractic and massage office is here to support you with personalized care and products like magnesium spray that can help you manage and prevent RLS symptoms. Give us a call or stop by to learn more about how we can help you keep you feeling great.


Bethany Wolcott

D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26

Small But Mighty: The Best Stocking Stuffers for Health & Wellness Lovers

By S21 GMB • December 8, 2025
When it comes to filling a stocking, there’s something magical about tiny treasures that pack a big punch. Sure, candy canes and fuzzy socks are classics—but what if your stocking stuffers could actually make someone feel better long after the holiday sugar crashes fade? This year, level up your gifting game with wellness-forward, feel-good, wow-that’s-so-useful ideas curated with your favorite chiropractic and massage office in mind. Whether you’re shopping for the gym buff, the “my neck hurts every day” coworker, the parent who needs a moment of peace, or that friend who swears they’re finally going to prioritize self-care in the new year, we’ve got you covered.  Here are our top stocking stuffers that are cute, practical, and chiropractor-approved.

Gratitude for Your Body: 5 Ways to Thank Your Muscles and Joints This Season

By S21 GMB • December 1, 2025
Thanksgiving is the time of year when we pause to appreciate the big things—family, food, football, and maybe even a perfectly flaky pie crust. But there’s one thing we often forget to be grateful for: our bodies . Every day, your muscles, joints, and connective tissues do a whole lot more than you realize. They carry you through grocery store marathons, marathon-marathons, late-night study sessions, workdays, workouts, and everything in between.  So this season, before you grab that second helping of mashed potatoes (no judgment here), take a moment to thank the parts of you that keep you moving. Here are five simple, meaningful ways to show your body a little gratitude—and feel better in the process.

Lower Cross Syndrome: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Fix It

By S21 GMB • November 21, 2025
If you’ve ever stood up after a long day at your desk and thought, “Why does my lower back feel like it’s been personally offended?”—you’re not alone. In fact, your posture may be telling a whole story. Enter Lower Cross Syndrome (LCS) : a common postural pattern that shows up when certain muscle groups decide to overachieve while others go on vacation. The good news? You can absolutely fix it—and your favorite chiropractic and massage team is here to help.

Boosting Your Immunity as We Head into Winter

By S21 GMB • November 17, 2025
As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, winter brings cozy nights, comfort food, and—for many—an uptick in sniffles, coughs, and the flu. While we can’t control every germ that crosses our path, we can support our immune systems to better defend against them. A strong immune system is the body’s best defense against seasonal illnesses, and with a few intentional habits, you can give yours a well-deserved boost this winter. Let’s break down some evidence-based ways to keep your immune system in top shape through the colder months.

Breaking Down the Raking Up: How to Protect Your Back This Fall

By S21 GMB • November 10, 2025
Fall in Buffalo is beautiful—the crisp air, the smell of bonfires, and, of course, the sea of colorful leaves blanketing your yard. But before you grab your rake and get to work, it’s worth talking about something most people don’t think about until it’s too late: the physical toll of yard work. Raking may seem harmless, but poor technique, repetitive motion, and improper lifting can lead to back pain, muscle strain, and even more serious injuries. Here’s what you should know about protecting your body during fall cleanup—and how chiropractic and massage care can help you recover and stay strong all season long.

Move Better, Feel Better: Why Mobility Matters More Than You Think

By Solution21 Team • November 3, 2025
Let’s play a quick game: When you think about staying healthy, what comes to mind? Eating veggies? Getting enough sleep? Maybe strength training or cardio? All great answers — but there’s a key piece many people forget…

Prenatal Massage

By S21 GMB • October 27, 2025
8 Reasons You Should Get a Massage During Pregnancy

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

By S21 GMB • October 20, 2025
The Importance of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: When Your Funny Bone Isn’t So Funny

By S21 GMB • October 13, 2025
We’ve all hit our “funny bone” before — that zinger of tingling pain shooting down your arm that you shake out. But when that sensation starts happening without bumping your elbow, it might not be so funny anymore. You could be dealing with something called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome — a condition that gives your ulnar nerve a bit too much attention for comfort.  Let’s break down what’s going on inside that elbow of yours, what causes this pesky problem, how to treat it, and what you can do to keep your funny bone feeling more “fun” than “numb.”

Sleeping Positions: Protecting Your Spine While You Snooze

By Solution21 Team • October 6, 2025
We all know that a good night’s sleep can make or break your day. But what many people don’t realize is that the position you sleep in plays a huge role in how rested—and pain-free—you feel when you wake up. The way you lie in bed can either support your spine and muscles or set you up for stiffness, discomfort, and even long-term issues. As chiropractors and massage therapists, we see the effects of poor sleep posture every day. The good news? With a few simple tweaks, you can protect your spine, reduce strain, and get the most out of your nightly rest. In this post, we’ll break down the best ways to sleep on your back and side, why stomach sleeping isn’t your spine’s best friend, and how the right pillow can make all the difference. 
Show More