Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if anyone else has trouble with subconsciously tensing muscles?

31 replies

Gingernuttie · 02/02/2023 13:13

Sorry to post in AIBU but have tried in Health before with no response. Think it must be a bit niche!

I tense muscles all the time. Specifically back, core, and pelvic floor. I realise I'm doing it, relax them, and then within twenty seconds they've all tensed up again without me noticing.

How do I stop? I've had pelvic floor therapy (the tensing caused issues in my last pregnancy) and I CAN relax when I concentrate, but it's like the default is set to tense.

I don't have a psychological explanation. No trauma, and I'm not stressed or unhappy. I'm fit, healthy and eat well and well hydrated. I do relaxation yoga every day. I relax before sleep (but immediately tense up again).

It's more that I need to change a subconscious habit. What about something like hypnosis? Has anyone else had success with changing subconscious habits like this?

OP posts:
Original poster
Gingernuttie · 03/02/2023 20:45

Sorry to hear other people have had it too. It's meanly comforting it's not just me though! There doesn't seem to be a solution does there 😔

OP posts:
Beenheresomanytimesbefore · 02/02/2023 19:54

I do this. My shoulders creep up, and I often realise clenching my jaw. Don’t know what the answer is though

CoalCraft · 02/02/2023 19:42

Hmm, I've had this, but for me stress was definitely the trigger - it first happened while DD was in NICU and subsequently only when I've been very frazzled. I think it's my body being in fight or flight mode. I don't really have advice on how to stop it as for me it's gone when the stress has.

Original poster
Gingernuttie · 02/02/2023 19:23

Thank you for responding ☺️

Do you think magnesium would do anything since I don't actually have trouble relaxing my muscles when I think about it? It's more like it's in my head than a muscle problem per se? I'm prepared to give it a go though!

@horizontilting I'm sorry it turned out to be Parkinson's for you. I will bear it in mind, because as you say early diagnosis is really important. I have had this problem since I can remember though (childhood/teens) and it hasn't worsened, so I think it's unlikely. I'm mid thirties now, so at least twenty years anyway.

OP posts:
horizontilting · 02/02/2023 14:29

I had this. In my case it turned out to be caused by dopamine problems - I have young onset Parkinson's disease. I'm sure there are other less complicated causes, but just to make you aware that is one cause, as it would be seen as a very unlikely in young women, and rarely considered. I had years of motor issues (muscles contracting plus other issues) with physio etc before anyone ever thought to refer me to neurology. Earlier assessment, diagnosis and treatment would have helped.

ethermint · 02/02/2023 13:15

what about magnesium supplement - it's a muscle relaxant I believe?

Swipe left for the next trending thread