Muscle Twitching in Arm

Muscle twitching, also referred to as fasciculation, is a term that is used to describe recurring movements of a specific portion of the muscle in a particular manner. In other words, an area of the muscle keeps on moving (jumping) up and down under the skin for some time (few minutes). It indicates that the muscles are stressed out due to exertion. For some people fasciculations can be irritating as they may cause muscle pain. People usually have muscle twitching after a rigorous workout. The areas of the body that experience muscle twitching are the biceps, calves and the hamstring. However, muscle twitching is more common in the arms, particularly the upper arm.

Causes of Muscle Twitching in Arm
Muscle twitching is nothing but involuntary palpitations of any part of the muscle. It generally occurs for a short duration of time. It has been found that muscle twitching in a majority of people isn't a cause a worry. Muscle twitching is often regarded as the body's natural way to respond to fatigue due to exertion. However, neurological disorders can also cause muscle twitching. Following are the scientific reasons that answer the question 'why do muscles twitch?'

Anxiety: Anxiety is the leading cause for involuntary muscle movement. This is because anxiety builds tension in the muscles. Prolonged exposure to anxious situations or an anxiety attack can contract the muscle for a considerable period of time. An easy way to relax the muscles and reduce the stress would be to perform yoga and meditation.

Exercise: In most cases, muscle twitching is the body's response to intense workout. Weightlifting routines can put a lot of strain on the arm muscles, which can then lead to muscle twitching. People in a hurry to build muscles perform strenuous exercises for a long duration of time. This overuse of muscles often leads to muscle twitching, in arms especially. A rigorous chest routine is responsible for causing a twitch. A strenuous aerobic exercise is also most likely to trigger muscle twitching. Exercises that are known to cause muscle palpitations in arm are as follows:

• Pull-ups
• Bench press
• Power hiking
• Bicep curls

Fatigue that accompanies a lengthy exercise session can certainly take a toll on the muscles. Experts suggest that heavy workout routines are never recommended as they interfere with normal pattern of muscle contraction, causing fasciculations in arm.

Caffeine: Excessive intake of caffeine or alcohol can also contribute to muscle twitching. Caffeine is present in coffee, tea and cola. When these beverages are consumed in excess, it often leads to muscle twitches.

Deficiency: Many people who experience muscle twitching show a deficiency of magnesium and calcium in their diet. Eating foods high in these minerals can bring a great deal of relief from muscle twitching. Taking supplements of these minerals in the form of pills or capsules can relieve muscle twitching in arm to a great extent. Deficiency in vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 can also cause excessive muscle twitching in the hands.

Multiple Scelerosis (MS): Intermittent episodes of muscle twitching in arms and legs have also been associated with people suffering from multiple scelerosis. Nerve damage is the hallmark of multiple scelerosis. As we all know, the nerves originating from the brain are coated with myelin sheath that ensure electrical signals through the nerves are transmitted efficiently. This electrical activity of the brain regulates movement of the muscles. In MS, this myelin sheath is destroyed by the body's own immune system. As a result, the electrical impulses through do not propagate properly and eventually the nerves also start deteriorating gradually. These electrical disturbances due to damage to the myelin sheath and the nerves, can trigger involuntary contraction of muscles. Muscle twitches in MS patients may aggravate at night. The twitching in arms may come and go but in some cases, it may continue for the entire day.

Peripheral Neuropathy: Twitching along with tingling sensation in the arm may indicate peripheral neuropathy, often regarded as a complication of diabetes. Poorly treated or uncontrolled diabetes triggers nerve damage that often occurs in the nerves running through the arms and legs. Uncontrolled diabetes resulting in nerve damage has been attributed to abnormally high sugar levels. Too much sugar in the blood for long periods of time deteriorates nerve functionality, which may lead to uncontrolled movement of muscles.

Electrolyte Imbalance: Muscle palpitations in upper arm can also be a symptom of electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are minerals (calcium, chloride and magnesium) that are present in the body fluids. Proper balance of these minerals is necessary for normal muscle contraction. Studies have shown that an imbalance of these electrolytes can cause muscle twitching.

Side Effects of Medications: Drugs like diuretics are often used for the treatment of hypertension and congestive cardiac failure. However, abuse or regular use of these diuretic agents can cause muscle twitching in arm. Muscle fasciculations can also occur as a side effect of medicines like corticosteroids and estrogens.

As mentioned earlier, muscle twitches are felt in case the person is suffering from a nervous system disorder such as muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy. When a nerve that ends in a muscle is compressed or damaged, it can also cause repetitive muscle movement in arm. In such circumstances, the following symptoms are noticed:

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle wasting (significant decrease in muscle mass, the muscle becomes thinner)

In most cases, muscle twitching in right arm or left arm is a minor issue and often goes unnoticed. Muscle twitches that occur occasionally are harmless, and hence actually visiting a doctor is not required. But persistent or frequent bouts of muscle twitches accompanied by muscle cramps is an indication of neurological illness. People suffering from muscle twitching in arm for long periods of time need to consult a neurologist to diagnose the underlying cause.