Muscle Twitches?

Hello everyone, hope you're doing ok.

I'm not sure if it makes sense to ask this question here or on another forum, but it does have to do with my chronic pain in a way. Anyhow, I was just wondering if anyone has had or knows if muscle twitching can be a side effect to having an impinged lumbar nerve root?

I have these weird muscle twitches and 'jumps'. They happen sporadically, but have become rather constant. It isn't just one place, it happens all over: my calves, upper arms, neck, thighs, etc. I have a herniated disk that is apparently impinging the L1-2 nerve root, but I don't really know if stuff like that could affect nerves all over.

It isn't like the twitches hurt, but it has become so frequent and it lasts so long that it is worrying me in terms of nerve & neurological health.

I should state that I am on an anti-depressant (Prozac), and I have heard of that causing such symptoms. I intend to ask my doctor about it the next time I see him, but I was just wondering if anyone else had experience with it. Thanks!

Hi misterk~

I did some reading on the internet and came across interesting stuff. Yes, impingement can cause muscle spasms and so can a list of other things.

Here's one paragraph I found that is clear on the topic:

The central nervous system (CNS) serves as the body's communication center. CNS motor neurons form motor units, which are each responsible for single or group muscular movement. Motor units activate muscle fibers that vary in size (the motor unit for eyes is responsible for a small amount of fibers while leg muscles can contain thousands of fibers). Motor units signal muscular relaxation and contraction. Muscular twitches occur when the motor unit signals the muscle to make repetitive and uncontrollable contractions.

So, like mentioned above, check with your doc. I hope you get some relief soon.
Chutz

The muscles in my upper back, left side are usually very tight and often painfully so. I also have burning in my left arm. When these are at their worst, my left shoulder and upper arm twitch.

But given that you are having them through so many parts of your body, the etiology may not be muscular but neurological. Given how widespread they are, you really should bring it up with your doctor.

I have a close friend with RLS and degenerative disk disease. In his case, he gets a creepy-crawly feeling in his legs and upper body spasms, but the qualitative features of each are very different.

I get muscle twitches from just a little too much tramadol. It's more noticeable in the evening, sitting on the couch.

Hi Schneesb & welcome to the forum. Please note that you have posted on an older thread & the OP has not been to the forum in over a year. We do ask all new members to make an intro post so that all members will see if & be able to give you a proper hello. By posting on an older thread not many people will see your post. We like to keep the older posts off of the main page. I will lock this thread so no one else can post here. Thanks