The muscles of the musculoskeletal system are the voluntary movement type, meaning you have to transmit a signal from your brain to the muscle you want to move, in order for it to do so with a conscience effort. Unlike your heart, which is an involuntary muscle and moves whether you want it to or not.

Then how is it that, on occasion, you might experience these muscles (that are not suppose to move without your say so) twitch on there own anyway. And why is it, that you can't make them stop when that happens? If you are suppose to be in control of these muscles, then what causes them to defy your authority and do what they want to from time to time?

Lets look at some things that will help clear this up and may help prevent, or at least minimize, these bouts of insubordination from these sometimes unruly muscles.

Twitching occurs when a muscle contracts and releases suddenly and involuntary. Slight twitches are obvious to the person who has them, but other people usually do not notice them. It is common for muscles to twitch from fatigue after exercise. Many people experience twitching when falling asleep, such as twitching of the eyelid muscles.

In some cases the twitching may be due to simple muscle fatigue, eye strain, stress, drug reactions and even caffeine. In other cases, it could be from a disease or situation needing medical attention. When twitching is associated with signs of a nervous disorder, it can be more serious and a neurologist may be needed to find the cause.

Twitching usually occurs as a result of an overwrought nervous system discharging impulses. It shows up most often during rest after some type of stress or strain. Facial twitching, where severe pain is present, is the result of a facial neuralgia. An excess of toxic heavy metals in the body (such as mercury, aluminum, lead and copper) can also lead to neurological irritation and twitching.

Some people treat their twitching with mineral supplements (like potassium or calcium), hot packs, massage or drinking tonic water for the quinine. Others have gone as far as botox injections which can be painful, expensive and only give temporary relief. Botox can also cause bruising and drooping limp muscles from the botulinum toxin. In more severe cases, surgery has been used as a resort.

Neuromuscular function and muscle control require the minerals magnesium, calcium and potassium. A deficiency can cause tics, trembling or cramps. The B vitamins help reduce stress-triggered trembling by calming the nervous system. Vitamin B12 is not absorbed well through the intestinal tract and should be taken in a sublingual form. Calcium is important for muscle growth and for the prevention of muscle cramps.

Your usual, rare case of a muscle twitch is usually nothing to worry about and in most cases does not last very long. It does not indicate any kind of problem needing special attention. But if they come on often, last for a long period of time, are somewhat strong or produce any pain, then you should have it checked out by a qualified medical professional.