Massaging also increases blood flow and oxygen to your muscles which helps them relax and stop spasming.
Hands and fingers: Spread your fingers wide apart. Slowly curl them into a loose fist, hold for a few seconds, then open them again (repeat 5-10 times). [3] X Research source Thumbs: Make a “thumbs up” position and rotate your thumb in circles for a few seconds, then switch directions (repeat 3-4 times). Arms and shoulders: Pull the twitching arm across your chest and hold it in place with your opposite hand. Repeat 3 times for 30 seconds each. [4] X Research source Calves and feet: Sit down and pull your toes toward you with your knees straight. If you’re in bed, sit up, loop a blanket around your toes, and pull. [5] X Research source Shins and front ankle tendon: Stand up, put your weight on your toes, and lift your heels. Hamstrings: Sit on the floor with your legs in front of you. Slide your hands down your legs until you feel tension in the muscle. Hold for 30 seconds. [6] X Research source Back: Perform Child’s Pose—kneel and sit on your knees, then lean forward so your buttocks are resting on your heels and your forehead’s on the floor. Neck: Tilt one ear downwards towards your shoulder until you feel a stretch in the side of your neck. Rest with your head upright and repeat as needed. [7] X Research source
Twitches, cramps, or spasms will probably stop 3-4 minutes after drinking the juice. Pickle juice also improves your electrolyte balance, which can help prevent twitches in the future. No pickle juice on hand? Try eating a banana instead—the potassium will help stop twitching, especially in small muscles like your eyelids or lips. [9] X Research source
Limit hot and cold treatments to 15-20 minutes at a time (repeating every 2 hours if needed). Never apply ice directly to your bare skin.
NSAIDs will treat pain if you have it, but may not stop the actual twitching or treat the underlying cause.
A twitch or spasm might recur a few times before it goes away for good. Twitching after you work out is normal since your muscles are just trying to release tension. [13] X Expert Source Monica MorrisACE Certified Personal Trainer Expert Interview. 12 January 2023.
Describe the frequency, severity, and possible causes in as much detail as you can to help your doctor diagnose a deeper problem. Your doctor may prescribe treatment for an underlying condition, like a vitamin deficiency, after running some tests. Sometimes, a doctor may prescribe medication to treat the twitches specifically if another cause can’t be found.
Take time to rest during the day, too. If you need to nap, do it early so it doesn’t interfere with your sleep schedule. Restful sleep balances your cortisol and other hormone levels, which relaxes your nervous system and makes twitching less likely. [17] X Research source
Pursue some of your creative interests or hobbies to let off steam, like playing an instrument, gardening, or sewing. Try journaling or connecting with a counselor or therapist if you need help coping with your stress. Proper coping mechanisms keep your body relaxed, making accidental nerve firing less likely without some other cause, like too much caffeine. [19] X Research source
An 8 fl oz (240 mL) cup of coffee has 80-100mg of caffeine. The same amount of green or black tea has 30-50mg. A 12 fl oz (350 mL) can of a soft drink has 30-40mg of caffeine. 8 fl oz (240 mL) of an energy drink can contain anywhere from 40-250mg of caffeine, depending on the product. Caffeine makes you feel alert, but too much overstimulates your nervous system and causes twitching. Cut back to get the benefits without twitching.
Drink water before, during, and after physical activity to make up for the water you lost in sweat. Drink sports drinks like Gatorade to replenish your electrolytes like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Good hydration supports healthy blood flow to your muscles, which helps them regulate their contracting and relaxing motions properly.
Eat foods rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium like bananas, lentils, cheese, yogurt, whole grains, and dark green, leafy vegetables. [24] X Research source Mineral deficiencies are a common dietary cause of twitching, so a balanced diet or vitamin and supplement pills can prevent food-related spasms.
Make sure to stretch before and after a workout to keep your muscles loose. Staying physically active improves muscle function, balances hormone levels, and opens up new oxygen pathways to your nerves. [26] X Research source
Research the side effects of new medications, like muscle twitching or spasms, before you start them. Ask your doctor about ways to balance out the side effects if switching meds isn’t possible. A vitamin B12 supplement may help, for example. Never change your medication or dosage without consulting your doctor first.
Besides lifestyle and behavioral adjustments to cope with stress, a doctor may prescribe antidepressants or other medications to treat anxiety.
The condition is worse if you’re hyper-stimulated, like when you try to make it through a shift or a day at school after an all-nighter. Exhaustion can also include muscle fatigue, like after an intense workout or sports competition.
Other effects of too much caffeine include insomnia, nausea, headaches, or feelings of unhappiness (dysphoria).
You may become dehydrated by not drinking enough water, sweating from heat or exercise, excess vomiting, or diarrhea.
Hormone imbalances can be caused by a number of things including a lack of sleep, side effects from medication, a poor diet, stress, or steroid abuse.
Diuretics, corticosteroids, and oestrogens are other common prescription medications linked to twitching. Remember to always consult your doctor before changing or stopping a medication.
Other non-neurological conditions include autoimmune disorders, like Isaac Syndrome.
There is no direct treatment for BFS besides anti-twitching measures like hydration, rest, and caffeine reduction. Carbamazepine, Gabapentin, Lamotrigine, or Pregabalin may be prescribed to combat the twitching if it interferes with a person’s day-to-day life.
