Karen Crosby
In 2017, I did an article here exploring internal tremors and why they happen, from certain vitamin deficiencies to other conditions and when to have them checked out.
I want to explore this again, but this time look more into why it happens with particular emphasis at people living with Fibro.
There has been some differing medical opinions referring to Fibro being the cause of internal tremors, but I will try and simply take a look at why people living with this condition are prone to it happening.
The way to describe internal tremors from my perspective (I have them) is: -
A feeling of shaking that is internal to the body, like standing still on an earth tremor that is not a full-blown earthquake!
Sometimes it is difficult to tell where in the body it is happening as it feels that it is throughout the inside with no definable area.
It is very strange and can be frightening when it first happens!
Take comfort that most of the time it is nothing to worry about and does not cause damage. However, if you experience internal tremors, it is best to use your own discretion as to if you need to seek medical attention or not! For example, if you feel fluttery in the chest, always get it checked! The other reason if you have not had it before and it is happening a lot, check there is no other medical reason with your doctor.
The reasons why it is getting mixed opinions in the medical field are: -
1. Internal tremors are often caused by hormone imbalances, distributions of neurotransmitters, diet lacking in certain vitamins like B12 and other factors.
2. People who have these tremors are historically more likely to experience fatigue and have immune system issues as a result (two of the major symptoms of fibro).
3. Muscle Tremors are also related to other conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
This is what causes the confusion! A lot of the medical profession are saying there is a link between fibro and internal tremors, but it is not the fibro that causes them.
The symptoms associated with fibro can lead on to internal tremors, and these can be: -
1. Muscle spasms and pain that can lead to internal tremors.
2. Pain and fatigue are main symptoms, which can lead onto internal tremors, as they are linked (as above) to common causes of this.
3. There are many fibro patients whom suffer internal tremors; - therefore there is becoming a strong link because of numbers alone.
4. Although internal tremors are not usually dangerous, symptoms being experienced in fibro need to be treated, otherwise they can cause other issues.
5. Increased sensitivity arising around the body may bring about a sudden shaking feeling resulting from such an increase.
6. Because of muscle pain mentioned above, there are internal muscles in the body that can go into spasm too thus causing that shaking feeling internally.
The difference between the internal and external muscle spasms however, are that internally it is a general feeling of shaking which is difficult to pinpoint, whereas external muscles like those on the limbs experience very painful muscle pain and spasms.
RLS
Similar experience to both of the above is restless leg syndrome (RLS), which fibro sufferers are said to be 11 times more prone to experiencing (Huyaguha Cohen of the Baseline of Health Foundation). This is a twitching or shaking sensation under the skin of the legs, and makes you feel as though you need to move the legs suddenly. This is another way to increase fatigue as it can happen more at night when you want to try to go to sleep!
As already mentioned above, the internal tremors are not likely to cause harm to your long-term health.
However they can have other effects on your day-to-day life: -
1. Restless leg syndrome (RLS) mentioned above or other internal tremors contribute to keeping you awake if experienced on an evening or in bed at night. I find if I get RLS or other tremors I give up and get up for several hours!
2. When it happens in the legs and you happen to be walking somewhere (I do a lot of walking), it can affect your ability to walk and you may have to sit down immediately.
3. If it happens for the first time in the chest area, it may cause fear that it is a heart issue, leading to anxiety.
4. It is important to mention here that anxiety is a cause of tremor, therefore anyone can experience it whether fibro being the issue or not!
As I mentioned in the last article on this subject, if you begin to experience the internal tremor there are so many things you can do to combat this: -
1. Check out with your doctor if you are suffering from any vitamin deficiency, especially B12 which can be put right with a supplement or sometimes an injection, which has the added bonus of helping to combat fatigue.
2. Gentle walking to keep your legs healthy by working the muscles to combat RLS.
3. Warm baths with a small cup of Epsom salts in to help relax the muscles after walking or any exercise, if they are painful anywhere in the body. Also aromatherapy bath oils can help with relaxation for sleep too, so its good just before bed.
4. Treat yourself to a gentle massage sometimes; this is a great way to detox the muscles all over the body and very relaxing and restorative.
1. I know I have said this a thousand times, but try Yoga! As an experienced yoga teacher I know first hand the benefits for the muscles that Yoga brings. Also in a good class, there are the added benefits of breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques; which are amazing for health and wellbeing.
2. Try other holistic methods like Reiki, Reflexology, acupuncture and others, as they work on the energy fields of the person as a whole and are, in my experience very beneficial!
FAQs
Does fibromyalgia cause internal tremors? ›
3. There are many fibro patients whom suffer internal tremors; - therefore there is becoming a strong link because of numbers alone. 4. Although internal tremors are not usually dangerous, symptoms being experienced in fibro need to be treated, otherwise they can cause other issues.
Can fibromyalgia cause muscle tremors? ›Muscle twitching, along with burning, aching or stabbing muscle pain can also occur. In addition to the muscles, the pain can occur in many different areas, including the joints (most often the knee, hip or feet), the back, neck and head, causing chronic headaches.
How do you stop internal tremors? ›- Avoid caffeine. Caffeine and other stimulants can increase tremors.
- Use alcohol sparingly, if at all. Some people notice that their tremors improve slightly after they drink alcohol, but drinking isn't a good solution. ...
- Learn to relax. ...
- Make lifestyle changes.
Internal vibrations are thought to stem from the same causes as tremors. The shaking may simply be too subtle to see. Nervous system conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and essential tremor can all cause these tremors.
What conditions cause internal tremors? ›Internal vibrations, also known as internal tremors, can affect people with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or essential tremor. Internal tremors are not harmful, but they be can be worrying and may interfere with a person's daily life. Internal tremors are shaking sensations felt inside the body.
Are internal tremors neurological? ›While the cause of internal tremors is not well understood, it is likely that internal tremors associated with ET are caused by nerve damage in areas of the brain that control muscle movement.
Can muscle tension cause internal tremors? ›Experts say stress and caffeine can cause internal tremors to increase. Stress causes muscle tension which intensifies tremors. Sleep more and find what helps reduce stress. This will help minimize internal tremors.
Can inflammation in the body cause tremors? ›Conclusion: Tremor in inflammatory neuropathies is common, adds to disability and yet does not often respond to treatment of the underlying neuropathy. When present, tremor severity is associated with F wave latency.
What autoimmune causes tremors? ›Tremor can be a sign of a neuropathy, a disorder of the peripheral nerves, or the nerves that bring messages from the brain and spinal cord to rest of the body. In particular, neuropathies caused by autoimmune syndromes such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) can have tremor as a component.
What do internal essential tremors feel like? ›Essential tremor is a nervous system (neurological) disorder that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking. It can affect almost any part of your body, but the trembling occurs most often in your hands — especially when you do simple tasks, such as drinking from a glass or tying shoelaces.
What vitamin helps with tremors? ›
However, tremors and other movement disorders are associated with vitamin deficiency, most vitamins B1, B6 and especially B12. B12 is very important for keeping your nervous system in good working order. Severe lack of Vitamin B12 is rare, but shakiness and tremors can occur even in mild deficiency.
Does magnesium help tremors? ›It helps to regulate nerve impulses and muscle contractions. So, a deficiency of magnesium in the body will lead to muscle cramps and may increase one's risk for osteoporosis. For good magnesium content in the body or to ease the symptoms of essential tremors, consider taking a supplement of 200mg to 400mg daily.
Why do my nerves feel like they are vibrating? ›Stress is a common cause of “buzzing” anywhere on or in the body. Some people say they have a “case of the nerves” when they buzz, tremble, shake, or vibrate when nervous, anxious, or stressed. Buzzing anywhere on or in the body is a common indication of anxiety and stress.
Why do I wake up with internal tremors? ›"The term for this is sleep myoclonus, or hypnic myoclonus, and occurs when your brain is shifting from one sleep phase to another.
What kind of doctor do you see for internal tremors? ›If you are having symptoms of Essential Tremor, you should seek the care of a neurologist. During the evaluation, your doctor will ask you questions about your health, your family medical history, medicines you may be taking, and any surgeries you have had.
Can fibromyalgia cause neurological symptoms? ›Neurological symptoms such as paresthesias, blurred vision, numbness, and weakness are commonly reported by FM patients, with numbness present in up to 84% of individuals (1, 4, 7–9).
Can chronic inflammation cause tremors? ›Abstract. Introduction: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) typically presents with a combination of sensory and motor impairments. Tremor is recognized as a common and debilitating feature in CIDP, although the underlying mechanisms are unclear.