When Should I Worry About Muscle Twitching?

Muscle twitches have various causes, many minor. See your doctor if twitches are continuous, cause weakness or muscle loss, affect multiple body parts, or begin after new medication or condition.

A muscle twitch, also called a fasciculation, is a fine movement of a small muscle area. It is caused by tiny muscle contractions and not controllable.

Unlike muscle spasms, sudden muscle contractions, muscle twitches are typically not painful. Most twitches are common, normal, and often resolve by themselves.

Muscle twitches have various causes, many minor and do not need medical care.

Signs of muscle twitching

Small, involuntary contractions can occur anywhere in the body. Common locations are the face, forearms, fingers or thumbs, upper arms, and legs. They occur frequently and with different causes.

The brain needs specific nerve impulses to contract muscles and allow body movement. Imbalance in this system can cause twitching.

This issue can happen in the brain, spine, or nerves where the signals are sent or in the muscles which receive the signals. Imbalance can cause involuntary twitching of muscles or small groups.

Causes of muscle twitching

Muscle twitches, or fasciculations, can have various causes. Many can be managed at home, but some require medical attention.

Stress

Mental stress is a primary cause of muscle twitching, triggered by anxiety or stressful situations, sometimes called "nervous ticks".

Caffeine

Drinking caffeine or other stimulants can trigger muscle twitches. Caffeine can interfere with molecules responsible for moving cellular energy, causing uncontrolled contraction.

Lack of sleep

Sleep deprivation can cause muscle twitching. Sleep is critical for maintaining body and mind health.

Dehydration or poor nutrition

Sufficient water and nutrients are necessary for proper body function. Imbalances in salt or certain nutrients can cause muscle twitches.

Nervous system conditions

Nervous system conditions, including ALS, spinal muscular atrophy, neuropathy, or myopathy, can cause muscle twitches.

A doctor can perform tests to determine if twitches are caused by these conditions. In these cases, twitches are often accompanied by weakness or muscle loss.

Other causes of muscle twitching

Additional causes include exercise, medication side effects, autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, and pinched spinal nerves.

A doctor can help determine the cause of muscle twitching and how to manage or reduce it.

When to see the doctor for muscle twitching

Talk to your doctor if muscle twitching:

• Is continuous
• Happens during movement and rest
• Affects multiple body parts
• Is accompanied by weakness or muscle loss
• Is accompanied by a loss of or change in sensation
• Starts after taking new medication
• Starts after being diagnosed with a new medical condition
• Is accompanied by fever, headache, nausea, or vomiting

Diagnosing muscle twitching

Your doctor will assess muscle twitching by examining the affected area while you’re relaxed. They may ask questions such as when you first noticed the twitching, duration, location, frequency, and other symptoms. Blood tests or other assessments may be performed.

Treatments for muscle twitching

Many causes of muscle twitching can be treated at home. Preventive measures include getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, avoiding excessive caffeine, exercising daily, managing stress, and discussing medication changes with your doctor. Applying warm or cool compresses, and gentle massage or stretching can also help reduce twitching. If caused by another medical condition, appropriate treatment will be recommended.

Are sore muscles a good sign?

Sore muscles after exercise are common. It occurs 12-72 hours after intense exercise due to tiny tears in muscle fibers. While usually temporary, soreness signals it’s time to decrease muscle activity to prevent further damage.

How to prevent delayed onset of muscle soreness

While the onset of muscle soreness cannot be prevented, precautionary steps can reduce intensity and prevent worsening:

• Proper warm-up and cool-down exercises
• Compression workout clothing
• Hydration and nutrient-rich foods
• Training with a professional
• Avoiding overstretching and improper lifting technique

Sources:

ALS Association: "What Do Fasciculations or Muscle Twitching Mean?"

Columbia University Department of Neurology: "Sleep Deprivation."

Healthline: "What You Need to Know About Muscle Twitching."

MedlinePlus: "Muscle twitching."

National Kidney Foundation: "Understanding Muscle Soreness – How Much Is Too Much?"

Neurology International: "Another Perspective on Fasciculations: When is it not Caused by the Classic form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Progressive Spinal Atrophy?"

NHS: "Why Do I Feel Pain After Exercise?"

The Ohio University Wexner Medical Center: "Why do my muscles twitch?"

Right as Rain by UW Medicine: "This Is Why You Have Sore Muscles Two Days After You Work Out."

Sports Medicine: "Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: Treatment Strategies and Performance Factors."