O/T TENS of RLS?

I recently found out that my fragmented sleep could be caused by RLS.

I've been doing some reading on this forum, and remember seeing someone saying they use TENS for their RLS, so I've been wondering how effective is it?

are there other things I could try? so far the only thing I found that helps is 2 ice packs (one per leg) but after 15/20 minutes it doesn't help which is annoying if I can't fall asleep right away =[

If you have had a CBC blood work done recently; ask your doctor if your Iron is borderline or low. Even if it seems in the range of normal; take a supplement slow release iron or baby spinich daily. For the record RLS is leg movements during waking and PLMS is leg movements during sleep. But anyway, increasing your Iron in blood has been shown to decrease PLMS....just do not overtake it.

Actually that is something that is already closely monitored.a few years back I was diagnosed as having anemia due to a iron deficiency.

I also do have a few other issues (sadly )


Hypothyroidism (I take .3MG daily of Synthroid)

(I don't have high cholesterol, how-ever the male side of my family has always had heart issues in their early 30's so I take a low dose of Crestor 5MG as a precautionary measure)
Grade 2 Spondylolisthesis on my L5/L4, I would be on meds for this, how-ever most of them effect my sleep to much, so the dr has me using a TENS machine for this. I also wear a brace for this during the day, although when it slips... man it hurts like a son-va gun!

I also recently had a MCL/ACL + bucket handle tear in my knee fixed., sadly I only got T3's for this and they don't work to well to begin with, so I've been alternating heating pads / ice packs and this seems to help a considerable amount.

I use a TENS Unit. I have RLS and PLMD. Since you are already using one for your lower back, maybe if you try using it as if for your lower back, placing the electrodes very low, more toward the buttocks area. I do that for about a half hour just before bedtime. Most nights this quiets my legs enough to get some sleep. On rare occasions for some reason it doesn't work and I get up in the middle of the night and do it again. That might be needed a few times a year.

I am not technically savvy on all this, but it's my understanding that the TENS interferes with signals between the brain and the problem area. I tried the TENS thinking it only made sense that if I could interfere with the signals between my legs and my brain I might get some relief. It has helped me. I've read that people have tried unsuccessfully to place the electrodes on their legs. I tried it - was a miserable experience. After much trial and error I settled for lower back placement.

Good luck with your efforts. I don't know how recent your blood tests have been, but checking to see that your ferritin level is above 50 might be a good idea. There are meds commonly used to treat RLS/PLMD but since you have other health issues and meds you are on, it's certainly understandable that you are searching other options. I'd be interested in hearing how the TENS works out for you.

kteague Thanks!
I shall give that spot a shot

I know right now I'm fairly close to that area, I use a dual channel TENS and have the signals making an "X" on my back with the cross aprox where the L5 / L4 disks are.

I know when the pain flares up from the spondy no amount of pain meds can help, but the TENS works wonders!

Just wanted to mention that you probably won't get a lot of responses as the TENS is not a commonly prescribed treatment for RLS/PLMD (if ever). I think I've read of two or three others on here trying it, and I think it was on their own, not prescribed for this problem. Please let me know how it works out for you.

Well the past 2 nights where a bit better; still fragmented sleep but not as bad as others!

Time to experiment with different places / settings!

CavemanSean wrote:kteague Thanks!
I shall give that spot a shot

I know right now I'm fairly close to that area, I use a dual channel TENS and have the signals making an "X" on my back with the cross aprox where the L5 / L4 disks are.

I know when the pain flares up from the spondy no amount of pain meds can help, but the TENS works wonders!

I have the same back problem as you (Spondy L5/L4). I had a series of shots over the past couple of months that helped a lot. My Doctor says my pain is because of Stenosis at the point of the Spondy. I know very little about the TENS units. What kind (brand make & model) do you use?

kempo wrote: I have the same back problem as you (Spondy L5/L4). I had a series of shots over the past couple of months that helped a lot. My Doctor says my pain is because of Stenosis at the point of the Spondy. I know very little about the TENS units. What kind (brand make & model) do you use?

Sadly the shots never worked for me, the one thing I found that did help greatly was acupuncture, the only problem with that is 1: costs $$ and isn't covered by my insurance and 2: I have to BOOK a date & time to see her;

so I was talking to my acupuncturist about 3~4 months ago and she said she recently started an "at home on the side" business selling these TENS machines, that day she wired me up to one she used to demo to clients and I felt immediate relief!

Now the one she sold me was the XFT 2 channel (so 4 electrodes) machine
info here


how-ever I wanted a good SOLID unit that I can use while I'm out as well (working, driving, traveling...ect) so I did some looking online and from when I had (...still do have) issues with my knee and lived in Ontario I went to a company called Patterson Medical and the staff there where super friendly! it just so happens that they also have an online store so I looked at what they had and followed my "go big or go home" philosophy and purchased the Quad Star II

now you don't need one this fancy (it allows for upto 4 channels (so 8 electrodes) among other things) but I find with this if I find the need to get more electrodes / use it for other things (for example I can now use it for both my back & my PLMS / RLS at the same time on the same machine

hope this helps!

Thanks for the informantion Caveman.