A neurologist answers what could make the arms twitch and whether or not the twitching is a worrisome symptom.
Do your arms (namely biceps and triceps muscles) twitch?
“Many people experience annoying twitching of the arms that can be anxiety provoking if you don’t know why it is happening,” says Anthony P. Geraci, MD, associate professor of neurology at Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine in New York.
I myself have had, more than once, a twitching episode in my triceps, and it was prominent.
The muscle twitching followed a training session involving triceps routines.
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“Though it is true that muscle twitches can occur in anyone, those who work out at the gym and exercise their upper bodies with weight training are more prone to get them.
“Why? Because the biceps and triceps muscles do MOST of the work.”
Many routines consist of a lot of arm work.
Though I don’t endorse isolation exercises as the foundation for building strength and muscle, I have to say it’s a reality that many people at the gym focus on exercises that involve the arms only.
However, chest routines work the triceps, and back routines work the biceps.
Dr. Geraci continues, “As the muscle exercises, some muscle fibers become ‘injured’ and must repair themselves – hence the twitch.
“Remember, your body is a fantastic organism that will take care of itself, given the proper nutrition and rest.
“So, your body is on its own clock, and muscle twitches will occur randomly and intermittently. Nothing to worry about and totally normal.”
Dr. Geraci is also the director of neuromuscular medicine at Northwell Health in New York.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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