While there are a host of possible causes for twitching bicep muscles, in many cases, the twitching is brought on by heavy exercise. Considering the many targeted bicep isolation exercises that exist, the bicep muscles can easily become overworked when lifting weights. Some simple stretches and rest will, in most cases, help resolve bicep twitching.
Muscle Fasciculation
Twitching of the bicep muscles, or any other muscles, is known as muscle fasciculation. The twitches occur due to small movements in a certain area of a muscle. In most cases, mild muscle fasciculation is not a serious condition and will resolve on its own. In rare cases, chronic twitching that persists for more than a few days can become detrimental. In such cases, you should consult your doctor to determine a cause.
Causes
The twitching of biceps can be caused by a number of factors, including a diet deficiency, too much caffeine, drug side effects and exercise. Stress and anxiety can also trigger twitching. More serious causes that suggest the twitching is due to a nervous system disorder include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, nerve damage, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and weak muscles. According to MedlinePlus, weakness and loss of muscle size are good indicators of a nervous system disorder.
Spasms
Heavy exercise can spur on muscle spasms, which can result in cramps. Isolation exercises, such as preacher curls, can place a lot of stress on the biceps and cause involuntary contractions. Stretching the biceps will often stop the spasms. While spasms are different than twitches, the two share similar symptoms and can easily be mistaken for each other. Other factors that can cause spasms include dehydration, muscle fatigue, kidney failure and medications.
Diagnosis
If you happen to suffer from chronic muscle twitching in your biceps, visit your doctor. He can help determine a cause through blood tests. The test will reveal if you have issues with your thyroid gland, electrolytes or blood chemistry. Electromyogram, or EMG, an MRI of the spine or brain, and nerve conduction studies are other possible diagnostic tests that your doctor may recommend.
Member Comments