What are muscle fasciculations?
Muscle fasciculations are repeated, involuntary contractions of muscle fibres. Those affected experience a sensation that is often described as mild subcutaneous 'tremor' in one or more areas of the body which is uncontrollable. The contraction is visible and recognizable from the outside and can affect any muscle district. In particular:
- facial muscles;
- eyelids;
- limbs.
These contractions can last from a few seconds to a few minutes and recur several times throughout the day. They usually appear isolated and, only if they are part of a more significant clinical picture, can they be associated with other symptoms, such as:
- paresthesia;
- cramps;
- numbness of the limbs;
- feeling of stiffness;
- motor difficulties.
Muscle fasciculations: causes
Fasciculations often occur sporadically, without an obvious trigger.
One of the most common causes of fasciculations is benign fasciculation syndrome, a disorder of unknown cause characterized by the sole appearance of fasciculations at regular intervals of a small group of muscle fibers, visible and felt by the subject as sudden spasms of the subcutaneous muscle.
Sometimes, in addition to this characteristic symptom, mild cramps or muscle spasms may appear. It can last for an indefinite period of time, interspersed with periods of complete remission. If no other external problems arise, benign fasciculation syndrome does not worsen over time and in most cases resolves spontaneously. It is a relatively common condition, affecting approximately 3% of the population.
In addition to sporadic fasciculations of short duration and benign fasciculation syndrome, which represent the vast majority of cases, other possible causes must be sought in pathological conditions, sometimes very serious, which can be:
- MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS,
- AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS),
- CHRONIC COMPRESSIONS AND ENTRAPMENTS OF A NERVE,
- HERNIATED DISCS,
- ANGER,
- ANXIETY
- STRESS
- SYRINGOMYELIA,
- POLIOMYELITIS,
- FIBROMYALGIA,
- DRUG ADDICTION,
- ALCOHOLISM,
- DRUG SIDE EFFECTS,
- THYROID DYSFUNCTIONS (HYPOTHYROIDISM OR HYPERTHYROIDISM),
- ALLERGIES,
- CELIAC DISEASE,
- SEVERE HYPERVENTILATION,
- MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY.
Muscle fasciculations: treatment
In most cases, the patient who comes to the clinic only needs to be reassured about the benignity of the disorder. If the fasciculations are due to more complex diseases, it will be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis and provide treatment tailored to that disease.
Percussive Therapy: How to Relieve Muscle Fasciculations
Percussive therapy is an excellent method of prevention and home remedy for those who suffer from muscle fasciculations.
In fact, having a massage gun at home helps to relieve muscle pain and to "loosen" muscle contractures and classic muscle spasms.
A massage gun for fasciculations can help to address the problem, through percussive therapy and stimulation of circulation in the area. This type of electric massager also stimulates the release of substances involved in the body's self-regulation, producing an invigorating effect and helping to combat everyday stress.
TOPMET's innovative products can reduce discomfort in delicate, sensitive areas caused by poor posture, anxiety or stress, even in sessions lasting just a few minutes.
With a simple and intuitive device you can relieve the phenomenon of muscle fasciculations and get back to living. The massage gun is the tool you were looking for to fight this pathology.