Muscle twitches typically occur when nerve impulses fire erratically, but there are many different reasons this may happen, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. Possible reasons for twitching include:. Less commonly, muscle twitching may be a sign of a serious problem, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS , nerve damage, or muscular dystrophy. However, if you experience infrequent muscle twitching, it is most likely harmless. This benign muscle twitching should go away without medical treatment, but if you experience twitching that lasts for more than a week, see your doctor.
Muscle Spasms : Causes and Treatment While twitches affect a single muscle, muscle spasms can cause a group of muscles to suddenly contract for a sustained period of time, causing acute pain, stiffness, and the feeling that the affected muscles are hardening or bulging.
Muscle spasms actually occur as a protective response; they typically happen when a muscle is fatigued, and by contracting and limiting motion, the spasm protects the muscle from further injury. Although most of us will experience muscle spasms at some points in our lives, you can help reduce your risk of experiencing this painful condition by staying well hydrated, stretching, and gradually warming up before heavy exercise.
If you have recently had a muscle spasm, stretching and massaging the affected area can help. In some cases, they may indicate a nervous system condition and you should see your doctor. There are various conditions that can cause muscle twitching. Minor muscle twitching is usually the result of less serious, lifestyle-related causes. But more severe muscle twitching is often the result of a serious condition.
But you should talk with your doctor if you suspect that your medication is causing your muscle twitching. Your doctor may recommend a lower dosage or switch you to another medication. You should also contact your doctor if you believe you have a nutritional deficiency. While most muscle twitching is the result of minor conditions and certain lifestyle habits, some muscle spasms can be triggered by more serious causes.
These muscle twitches are often related to problems with the nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. They may damage the nerves connected to your muscles, leading to twitching. Some of the rare yet serious issues that can trigger muscle twitches include :. Make an appointment with your doctor if your twitching becomes a chronic or persistent issue. During your appointment, your doctor will ask you about your muscle twitching to determine the underlying cause.
Your doctor will also perform a physical exam and gather your medical history. Make sure to notify your doctor about any existing health conditions. Your doctor will likely order certain diagnostic tests if they suspect your muscle twitching is due to an underlying condition. They may order :.
Reviewed by: KidsHealth Medical Experts. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What causes your muscles to twitch? Underlying physical problems. Spinal conditions, such as degenerative disc disease , spinal stenosis , or a herniated disc can all lead a muscle spasm in your back.
Rarely, muscle spasms can be the result of a more serious neurological condition. In those cases, however, the muscle spasms that accompany a serious disorder are often repetitive, larger-scale, and accompanied by other serious muscular symptoms, such as weakness, trouble walking, or numbness and tingling. You should see a doctor for muscle spasms if you encounter any of the following situations:. Muscle spasms that are not resolving on their own with rest, hydration, and proper nutrition.
Any other symptoms you are experiencing with your muscle spasms, such as weakness, loss of balance, or mental changes. You will need to consult with a specialist who can help correct the problem that is causing the back spasms in the first place. Occasional muscle spasms can be a normal part of life, but just remember that if they are happening regularly or causing you any pain, you should schedule an appointment with a Southwest Spine and Pain provider for further assessment.
With multiple locations across the state of Utah, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to. To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab! Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
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