Muscle twitches refer to repetitive, involuntary muscle contractions. Another term used for muscle twitching is muscle fasciculation. Our muscles are controlled by the nerves and if there is damage, reduced functioning of the nerve or excessive stimulation of the nerve, this can lead to muscle twitching. The reasons behind twitching can be minor or serious. It may simply be the result of overexertion, improper sleep, reduced water intake, and a lack of nutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin B, calcium, magnesium, or it may arise from an underlying health condition related to the nervous system. It can also occur due to stress, anxiety, excessive caffeine and tobacco intake, and the use of certain medications such as corticosteroids, antidepressants, and diuretics (drugs that increase urine output). Minor muscle twitches that occur occasionally and tend to resolve on their own or with some lifestyle changes, and are usually nothing to worry about. However, if they occur frequently or persist, they should be evaluated by a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Muscle twitching may also be accompanied by other symptoms depending on its cause, including muscle weakness, pain, cramps, tingling, numbness and loss of muscle mass (medically known as muscle atrophy).
Various medical conditions that can cause muscle twitching are as follows:
1. Pinched nerve in the spine – This usually happens due to a slip disc (the pushing or protrusion of the intervertebral disc, i.e. soft cushions between two vertebrae, from its place). This can cause muscle twitching, along with other symptoms of pain, numbness, and tingling.
2. Neuropathy – This is the result of nerve damage, usually in the hands and feet. It can lead to muscle twitching, numbness or pain in the affected areas.
3. Multiple Sclerosis – It is a disease of the nervous system that results from damage to the protective myelin sheath of nerve fibers due to an improper response by the cells of the immune system. This causes problems in communication between the brain and the rest of the body parts. It results in muscle stiffness, twitching along with other symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the limbs, tingling, unsteady gait, lack of coordination, dizziness, vision loss, weakness, slurred speech, cognitive problems and blurred or double vision.
4. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is also a nervous system disorder that affects the functioning of the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord, resulting in a lack of muscle control. It can lead to muscle twitching, muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass, difficulty walking, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and muscle cramps.
5. Isaac Syndrome – It is a neuromuscular disorder in which nerves cause overstimulation of muscle fibers. This results in muscle twitching even at rest, difficulty relaxing the muscles, stiffness/cramps of the muscles and excessive sweating.
6. Lupus – It is an autoimmune disease that occurs when immune cells attack healthy body tissues in a misdirected response that causes inflammation in various body parts. Muscles can become inflamed, causing twitching.
7. Hoffmann Syndrome – It is a rare complication that arises when hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) is left untreated for a very long time. It causes painful muscle spasms, muscle cramps and muscle weakness.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy is very effective in controlling muscle twitching. Homeopathic medicines are of natural origin and completely safe to use without any side effects. These provide excellent results in such cases by aiming to treat the underlying cause. In such cases, gradual improvement occurs and results vary from case to case, depending on the intensity and duration of the complaint. Besides muscle twitching, homeopathic medicines also help manage associated symptoms such as muscle weakness, pain, cramps, tingling and numbness. There is no specific medicine in homeopathy for these cases and the appropriate medicine must be selected for each individual case individually after detailed case evaluation based on the characteristic symptom presentation. Some cases of muscle twitching may occur due to serious nervous system disorders. It is therefore recommended to have each case assessed by a doctor and to take medication under the supervision of a doctor. Self-medication should not be done under any circumstances.
Homeopathic medicines for muscle twitching
1. Zincum Met – Top recommended drug
Zincum Met tops the list of homeopathic medicines to treat muscle twitching cases. Firstly, this medicine is effective in controlling eyelid twitching. Secondly, it provides assistance in contracting the facial muscles. It is also useful for controlling the twitching of the upper lip, especially on the left side. Furthermore, it is useful to control twitching in the left arm and thigh muscles. In cases where this medicine is necessary, the twitching in the left arm is worse in the morning hours during sleep. This medicine can be used for muscle twitching in the limbs (legs and arms) at night.
2. Cuprum Met
Like the above medicine, Zincum Met is also used for muscle twitching in multiple body parts. It is indicated for twitching in the eyelids of the left eye. This may be accompanied by sensitivity to light (photophobia). Next, this medicine is indicated for twitching in the fingers that extend to hands and arms. It is made worse by anxiety and overexertion. The shaking in the arm improves by lying down. Its use is further recommended for muscle twitching in the limbs accompanied by a tingling sensation. An important indication for its use is muscle twitching that begins in the fingers and then spreads to the entire body.
3. Agaricus
This medicine is recommended for twitching of the eyelids accompanied by excessive tearing of the eyes. It is also prominently used for relief from facial twitching. The twitching is usually felt in the right cheek. Tearing or pulling pain is felt in the cheeks. In addition, a throbbing sensation is felt in the cheeks. This medicine may also be considered for muscle twitching that improves during some work with the hands. Another indication for its use is twitching in the muscles of the upper and lower limbs, along with trembling and restless feeling. In cases where this is necessary, the jerks are aggravated by voluntary movements of the affected muscles. The muscle twitching disappears completely at night. Muscle twitches occur in the muscles of different parts of the body and keep shifting from one place to another.
4. Belladonna
Belladonna appears to be effective against muscle twitches in the face and limbs. In addition to facial twitching, there may be nerve pain in the face. The face looks flushed and flushed. With trembling limbs, cramps may also be felt in the limbs. Sometimes shooting pain is felt in the limbs. The limbs may also feel heavy. In addition, there may be trembling in the limbs.
5. Mygale
This medicine is primarily of great use when there is twitching in the arm and leg on the right side. This hinders standing and walking. Secondly, it is very useful if there are constant twitches in the facial muscles. Finally, it is effective for twitching of the back muscles.
6. Opium
Opium is a valuable medicine for controlling twitching of the face, especially in the corners of the mouth. The mouth appears deformed by muscle twitching. A very characteristic feature of its use is twitching in the corners of the mouth after some form of anxiety. Facial trembling may occur along with muscle twitching. This also works well for muscle twitching in arms, hands and head. Exercise tends to provide some relief from muscle twitching.
7. Cicuta
Cicuta can be used for facial muscle twitching, which causes facial deformity. The face may appear red and be accompanied by headache. It can then be considered for muscle twitching in the fingers and arms. Jerking in the left arm may occur throughout the day. Cramps can also be felt in the arms.
8. Ignatia
This medicine is useful when muscle twitching occurs due to sadness or fright. The affected parts may also tremble. When Ignatia is needed, muscle twitching may occur in the limbs, eyes, face or corners of the mouth.