Muscle twitching also called as fasciculation is involuntary tightening up of small muscles causing contractions.Muscles Twitch

Muscles are made up of fibers that control your nerves and any damage to the nerve causes muscle fibers to twitch.

There are several factors that cause muscle twitching, while mild ones are life-style related, major twitches may indicate other serious health conditions.

What Causes Muscles To Twitch?

  • Accumulation of lactic acid immediately after exercise in the arms, legs and back muscles.
  • Stress and anxiety causing nervous ticks in any muscles of the body.
  • Excess consumption of caffeinated beverages.
  • Deficiency of certain vital nutrients vitamin D, B and calcium.
  • Severe dehydration that causes muscle contraction and twitching of the arms, leg and torso.
  • Smoking and use of nicotine products cause muscle twitching.
  • Muscle twitching happens around the eyelid when there is an irritation on the eyelid or on the surface of the eyes.

Major causes of muscle twitching are some serious health conditions like muscular dystrophies, lateral sclerosis, spinal cord atrophy, and Isaac syndromes all of which require immediate medical attention.

Treatment

Treatments are generally not required for mild muscle twitching, they tend to subside within a few days on its own. However, depending upon the severity of the condition doctors prescribe medication that may include corticosteroids, muscle relaxants and neuromuscular blockers.

Prevention

Muscle twitching is not always preventable; however, you can lower the risk through some easy steps.

Eat a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a good source of lean protein.

Get adequate sleep of about 6-8 hours as it is essential for the nerves to heal and recover.

Manage stress and lower its effect by trying some relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, relaxed breathing and exercising weekly 4-5 times to burst out stress.

Restrict caffeinated beverages as these drinks increase the risk of muscle twitching.

Quit smoking as it is always good to improve overall health. Nicotine in the cigarette is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system, so bidding a goodbye to smoking lowers the risk of muscle twitching.