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What are Involuntary Muscle Spasms?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Involuntary muscle spasms are contractions of the muscles in the body that occur without control. They are different from the involuntary muscle movements that are used to mediate a number of biological functions from breathing to digestion, as they involve muscles that are normally used in voluntary movements. Such spasms can be linked to a number of different causes and there are treatments available to address both spasms and the underlying cause. Seeking medical attention for muscle spasms is recommended if they are painful or persistent because they may be caused by a serious medical issue.

Some common causes for involuntary muscle spasms include fatigue, stress, electrolyte imbalances such as those caused by dehydration, injury to the muscle, and neurological conditions. Sometimes a muscle spasm is a simple cramp, and the contraction of the muscle can be eased with a gentle stretch. In other cases, the chemical signals used by the body to control muscle movements are disrupted and a muscle may contract and relax several times in a twitching movement that cannot be alleviated with a stretch or gentle massage.

Involuntary muscle spasms can strike any muscle in the body, including the abdominal muscles.
Involuntary muscle spasms can strike any muscle in the body, including the abdominal muscles.

These muscle spasms can strike any muscle in the body. In some cases, the contraction is very painful and the spasm may interfere with the performance of daily tasks. Spasms in the hands, for example, can make it difficult to engage in a variety of activities. Likewise, spasms in the legs may interfere with a person's ability to walk.

An isolated involuntary muscle spasm is usually not a cause for concern. There are many benign causes for involuntary muscle spasms and one of these is likely the culprit. If the spasms recur, become extremely painful, or won't stop, it can be a sign that there is a serious problem. Issues like organ failure, degenerative neurological conditions, damage to the spinal cord, and exposure to toxins can all lead to involuntary muscle spasms.

Involuntary muscle spasms in the hand can make it difficult to perform basic activities, such as teeth brushing.
Involuntary muscle spasms in the hand can make it difficult to perform basic activities, such as teeth brushing.

A doctor can evaluate a patient with a spasmodic muscle to narrow down the cause and learn more about the patient's general level of health. If the cause can be identified and treated, this should resolve the spasms. Medications are also available to specifically treat muscular disorders, such as injections that can interrupt the signals sent to the muscles so they will stop twitching. If the spasms are the result of a neurological condition, patients should be aware that treatment for neurological illnesses is constantly being refined and improved, making it advisable to consult a neurologist to get the latest information.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

burcidi

@simrin-- That's horrible! I hope that guy is an actor and he was just acting and not really twitching.

I think what you are talking about is a little bit different than involuntary muscle spasms though. Muscle spasms can happen to anyone, because of physical activity, medication, stress or another illness.

I think what you describe is more like tick. It actually sounds like Tourette's syndrome which my little brother has. This is a neurological disorder that causes him to have involuntary movements. Stress actually triggers some of it, but it can happen even when he is totally fine and calm.

I know that stress has a lot to do with involuntary muscle spasms in general, especially with the eyes. I had a coworker who would start to involuntarily blink whenever she got stressed out at work or felt anxious.

discographer

I had involuntary muscle spasms for about a week last year. My doctor checked for vitamin deficiencies and found that I had a deficiency in vitamin D. I took supplements and haven't had it since.

I've also heard some of our clients at the gym I work complain about muscle spasms. Must be something about working out that causes it. Muscles rip if you do any weight training, so I think that any involuntary muscle spasms would go away with a good rest.

I'm not doctor, but if anyone complains about this at work, I tell them to take a break from working out, get rest and eat a healthy diet. So far people have been saying that this works, so it must have to do with the body not being able to handle so much strenuous exercise.

SteamLouis

I saw a comedy show on TV and there was a guy that involuntarily twitched if someone made a certain movement towards him. Everyone thought this was funny, but I felt really bad for him and because this is a health condition, not something he chose to have.

What exactly causes this kind of twitching? Is there no treatment or cure? It seems like such a simple problem, I wish people didn't have to live that way. I think it's easy for people to misunderstand and make fun of them. They don't always realize that they are doing it involuntarily.

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    • Involuntary muscle spasms can strike any muscle in the body, including the abdominal muscles.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Involuntary muscle spasms can strike any muscle in the body, including the abdominal muscles.
    • Involuntary muscle spasms in the hand can make it difficult to perform basic activities, such as teeth brushing.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Involuntary muscle spasms in the hand can make it difficult to perform basic activities, such as teeth brushing.
    • Yoga can help counter muscle twitches and involuntary spasms by keeping the muscles warm and relaxed.
      By: godfer
      Yoga can help counter muscle twitches and involuntary spasms by keeping the muscles warm and relaxed.
    • Involuntary muscle spasms may be alleviated with massage.
      By: Khorzhevska
      Involuntary muscle spasms may be alleviated with massage.
    • Abdominal muscle spasms may be a sign of a more severe medical issue.
      By: overcrew
      Abdominal muscle spasms may be a sign of a more severe medical issue.
    • Fatigue is a common cause of involuntary muscle spasms.
      By: miya227
      Fatigue is a common cause of involuntary muscle spasms.
    • Muscle spasms may be caused by a simple cramp that can be remedied by stretching the muscle.
      By: Maridav
      Muscle spasms may be caused by a simple cramp that can be remedied by stretching the muscle.
    • Involuntary muscle spasms may be caused by dehydration.
      By: T.Tulik
      Involuntary muscle spasms may be caused by dehydration.