What causes muscle twitching? How to get relief
Muscle twitching can have a wide range of causes, but understanding what's at the root of it can help you find relief.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Caley Scott, ND
Our muscles are complex machines made up of thousands of fibers and controlled by a vast network of neurotransmitters. It’s no surprise that these muscles can sometimes misfire, causing small contractions called twitches.
Twitching muscles—called “fasciculation” in the medical field—is usually harmless and only lasts a few minutes. However, twitching can sometimes get out of control and interfere with our daily routines. If muscle twitching is getting in the way of your productivity or enjoyment of life, it may be time to seek relief.
Let’s explore the causes of muscle twitching and offer some tips you can use to keep muscle twitching at bay.
What can cause muscle twitching?
Fasciculation might sound like an intimidating term, but these small contractions or spasms are generally non-threatening. Even still, you might want to know why this occurs so that you can stop twitching in its tracks.
Here are the top reasons why you might experience muscle twitching.
Lack of sleep and fatigue
Exhaustion affects all aspects of our biology—not just mood and focus. While your mind might be foggy after insufficient sleep, your muscles are also prone to fatigue, which leads to disruptions in their function.
This is why you might notice strange cramps, convulsions, or other involuntary movements in a part of your body when you don’t get enough sleep.
Muscle fatigue might also occur from overuse, overtraining, or a lack of recovery between exercise or physical work sessions. Remember that recovering from physical activity is crucial for overall health, so prioritize sleep and consider adding a full spectrum rest tincture in your evening routine.*
Electrolyte imbalances
With so much focus on drinking water to ward off cramping and twitching, it’s easy to forget that electrolytes are the true heroes of hydration.
These are the tiny minerals that help facilitate the brain-muscle connection, and a lack of these electrolytes can result in unusual, involuntary twitches.
Simply drinking liters of fresh water isn’t enough to hydrate in full. Be sure to hydrate with a complete range of electrolytes—including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and more—to keep your muscles functioning normally and avoid issues like twitching.*
Stimulants and caffeine intake
Many of us rely on stimulants like caffeine to get through the day, but overloading with coffee or energy drinks can result in jitters, twitching, and other anomalies in the nervous system.
Other performance-enhancing drugs and medications can also contribute to twitching, as they deplete key minerals like magnesium and calcium, leaving us vulnerable to odd muscle convulsions. Cutting back on caffeine is usually a reliable way to minimize twitching and keep muscles feeling strong and stable.
Ready to make the switch? Check out our CBG products to rise and shine without caffeine.*
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Electrolytes are often simple salts and minerals, but there’s more to the story. B vitamins, vitamin D, and complex forms of magnesium are key to supporting healthy muscle function and mitigating uncomfortable sensations like cramping and twitching.
While supplements can help restore the minerals in your body, the best way to attain these compounds is through nutritious food and avoiding unhealthy habits.
Underlying conditions
In rare cases, muscle twitching may be the result of neurological issues, poor circulation, pinched nerves, or more severe disorders related to the nervous system. If you’ve completed the checklist of possible causes behind muscle twitching and still experience the problem frequently, consider contacting your medical provider and exploring other issues.
Is muscle twitching connected to the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is thought to be involved with the signaling systems of human muscle function. Consisting of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, the ECS plays a role in many neurotransmitter systems and might be related to underlying causes of muscle twitching.
By balancing your ECS with naturally occurring cannabinoids like CBD, you may be able to lessen the frequency or severity of muscle twitching, in addition to general soothing effects and reduced discomfort.*
CBD can be used in many forms and delivery methods, and Sunmed’s formulations are designed for full transparency and specific use cases. A balanced ECS—along with other proven protocols—can keep your muscles feeling great, even after rigorous exercise and daily use.*
How to get relief from muscle twitching
A bad bout of muscle twitching can be annoying at first, and can become disruptive before long. Luckily, there are several tried-and-true ways to get relief from muscle twitching and regain control over your muscles at any time.
Here are some methods to add to your repertoire, whether you’re training for a triathlon or running daily errands.
Stress management and relaxation techniques
Muscle twitching is not necessarily in our control, but we can learn to respond with stress management and relaxation techniques that make a difference.
Relaxation starts in your mind—so in moments of stress that bring about twitching, try to center yourself and take deep breaths while letting go of tension from the muscles and joints.
Alternative stress management techniques include meditation, yoga, and spending more time in the sun and nature. While these methods aren’t always practical during the work week, natural and sustainable stress reduction is always preferable over quick fixes that may be counterproductive in the long run.
Healthy diet and hydration
Structuring your diet for muscle health and recovery is one of the best things you can do to address twitching and contribute to general well-being.
Such a diet consists of lean protein sources, plenty of leafy greens and hearty veggies, plus carbohydrate sources with a low glycemic index to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
This diet is simple to imagine, but not always easy to stick with day to day. Try to plan ahead and construct simple meals with ingredients you know you’ll enjoy. Limit foods like sweets, alcohol, and foods fried in oil. You may find that nagging issues like cramps and twitches subside as you clean up your diet and get accustomed to more nutritious options.
Hydration is also part of the deal here, and once again, water alone will not do the trick. Be sure to supplement with a complete source of electrolytes in addition to plenty of fresh water, especially during hot summer months and around training sessions.
Exercise and stretching
You don’t need to train like an Olympia bodybuilder to alleviate muscle twitches through greater strength and endurance. With a combination of moderate resistance training and steady cardio, you can develop stronger muscles and keep blood flowing throughout to deliver nutrients and remove waste products through the lymphatic system.
This simple one-two approach to training works wonders for people of all ages, so look for ways to build strength while also looking after your cardiovascular and respiratory health. Keep in mind that stretching—including warm-ups and cool-downs—is key to maintaining limber and flexible muscles and avoiding injury.
With the right exercise routine and plenty of accessory stretching and active recovery, you’ll fight against muscle weakness and achieve a better sense of wellness than ever before.
Adding CBD to your routine
If you’ve checked all the boxes of rest, recovery, diet, and hydration, you may need extra help addressing unexpected muscle contractions. CBD is a well-known cannabinoid that can provide soothing sensations to the muscles and reduce any discomfort that comes with muscle spasms.*
Because CBD interacts with the ECS and many aspects of the neuromuscular system, the right amount of this cannabinoid may help ease feelings of muscle contractions. Think of CBD as a natural aid to your neurology that complements your other efforts to keep muscle fibers healthy and strong.*
You can add CBD to your routine in many ways, whether through oil drops administered sublingually or convenient gummies taken on the go. You can even use topical creams with hemp extract and other soothing ingredients for direct and targeted relief from muscle cramps or uncomfortable twitches.*
If random jerks and muscle movements are just an occasional annoyance, a full spectrum tincture may be all you need to stay comfortable. In more disruptive episodes, higher serving sizes of CBD or topical products may be the right move. Sunmed is here to help you make the best choice and address your wellness needs holistically.*
When should you seek medical advice?
Ongoing muscle twitching might be a sign of a deeper problem if you haven’t found comfort in these tips so far.
It could be time to talk to a healthcare professional and discuss possible medical conditions, whether that means analyzing certain muscle groups or running blood tests.
The bottom line
If you experience muscle twitching and you’re ready for relief, these insights and tips cover all the major bases. Addressing muscle twitches can mean a more comfortable and capable you, so don’t ignore the common causes if the twitches persist!
In the meantime, Sunmed has all your CBD needs covered, along with other tested supplements and resources, to help you along the wellness journey.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."
Sources:
Muscle twitching | Medline Plus
Annoying Muscle Twitch? When to Seek Help | Rush
Marijuana and Muscle Spasticity | NIH
Is CBD an effective muscle relaxant? | Chiropractic Economics
Feeling Twitchy? Muscle Twitch Causes and How to Stop It | Greatist