From the Research
Twitching can often be stopped or reduced through various approaches depending on its cause, with breathing exercises and relaxation techniques being potentially beneficial, as suggested by a study on breathing exercises for dysfunctional breathing/hyperventilation syndrome in adults 1.
Causes and Symptoms of Twitching
Twitching occurs when nerve signals to muscles fire inappropriately, causing involuntary contractions. The symptoms can range from mild, occasional twitches to more severe and persistent twitching, which may be caused by stress, fatigue, caffeine, or electrolyte imbalances.
Treatment Approaches
For mild, occasional twitches, lifestyle modifications are usually effective, including:
- Getting adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly)
- Reducing caffeine intake
- Staying hydrated
- Managing stress through meditation or deep breathing exercises
- Ensuring proper nutrition with foods rich in magnesium and potassium
For more persistent twitching, medications may help, including:
- Muscle relaxants like baclofen (10-25mg three times daily) or diazepam (2-10mg daily)
- Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin (300-1200mg daily)
- Botulinum toxin injections for focal twitching (administered by a specialist every 3-6 months)
Physical therapy techniques can also be beneficial, including:
- Stretching exercises
- Massage
- Heat therapy
Breathing Exercises and Relaxation Techniques
A study on breathing exercises for dysfunctional breathing/hyperventilation syndrome in adults found that breathing exercises can be beneficial in reducing symptoms of hyperventilation syndrome, which may be related to twitching 1. Another study found that a slow, shallow "anti-hyperventilation" breathing technique can reduce vasovagal symptoms, including twitching, in blood donors 2.