Internal Tremor? Why Your Body Is Stiffening & Medically Approved Parkinson's Steps

Feeling an internal tremor—a vibration or shaking sensation inside your body that others can't see—can be unsettling. Some people describe it as a buzzing in the chest, abdomen, arms, or legs. Others notice stiffness that seems to come out of nowhere.

While internal tremors can have many causes, one condition that sometimes includes these symptoms is Parkinson's disease.

This article explains:

• What internal tremors are
• Why your body may feel stiff
• How Parkinson's disease fits into the picture
• Medically approved next steps
• When to speak to a doctor

The goal is clarity—not alarm. Most internal tremors are not emergencies. But persistent symptoms deserve medical attention.

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What Is an Internal Tremor?

An internal tremor is a subjective shaking sensation that cannot always be seen by others. Unlike a visible hand tremor, this vibration is felt inside the body.

People describe it as:

• A humming or buzzing feeling
• A vibration in the chest or abdomen
• Shaking inside the legs or arms
• A trembling sensation without visible movement

Internal tremors are reported in several medical conditions, including:

• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Anxiety disorders
• Essential tremor
• Thyroid disorders
• Medication side effects

The key is whether internal tremors occur alongside other neurological symptoms.

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Why Is Your Body Stiffening?

Stiffness—also called rigidity—is a classic feature of Parkinson's disease. But it can also result from muscle tension, injury, arthritis, or stress.

In Parkinson's disease, stiffness happens because of changes in the brain's dopamine system.

What Happens in Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It occurs when dopamine-producing nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra begin to decline.

Dopamine helps control smooth, coordinated movement. When levels drop, movement becomes:

• Slower (bradykinesia)
• Stiffer (rigidity)
• Less coordinated
• Sometimes tremulous

Rigidity in Parkinson's disease is different from typical muscle soreness. It often:

• Affects one side of the body first
• Feels like resistance when someone else moves your arm
• Causes reduced arm swing when walking
• Leads to aching shoulders or neck

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Internal Tremor and Parkinson's Disease

Not everyone with Parkinson's disease has internal tremors. But some patients report early internal vibration sensations before visible tremors develop.

The classic tremor in Parkinson's disease is:

• A resting tremor
• Often starting in one hand
• Described as a "pill-rolling" movement
• Present when the limb is relaxed

However, internal tremors may appear earlier or alongside:

• Mild stiffness
• Slowed movements
• Subtle changes in handwriting
• Reduced facial expression
• Softer voice

If stiffness and internal tremors occur together and persist, it is reasonable to consider a neurological evaluation.

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Other Common Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease often develops gradually. Early symptoms may be subtle.

Watch for:

• Loss of smell
• Constipation
• Smaller handwriting (micrographia)
• Acting out dreams during sleep (REM sleep behavior disorder)
• Stooped posture
• Shuffling walk
• Balance changes
• Fatigue

Not everyone will have all these symptoms. And having one symptom alone does not mean you have Parkinson's disease.

If you notice several of these signs and want to better understand your risk, a free AI-powered symptom checker for Parkinson's Disease can help you identify patterns and prepare meaningful questions before your doctor's appointment.

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When Is Stiffness More Concerning?

Occasional stiffness after exercise or stress is normal. But speak to a doctor if stiffness:

• Persists for weeks or months
• Gradually worsens
• Affects only one side of the body
• Interferes with walking or daily tasks
• Occurs with tremor or slowed movement

Sudden stiffness combined with confusion, severe headache, weakness on one side, or trouble speaking could signal a medical emergency. Seek immediate care in those cases.

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How Parkinson's Disease Is Diagnosed

There is no single blood test for Parkinson's disease. Diagnosis is clinical, meaning a neurologist evaluates symptoms and performs a neurological exam.

Doctors look for:

• Resting tremor
• Rigidity
• Slowed movement
• Postural instability
• Response to dopamine medication

Brain imaging may be used to rule out other causes, but it does not confirm Parkinson's disease on its own.

Early diagnosis matters. Treatment works best when started early.

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Medically Approved Steps If Parkinson's Disease Is Suspected

If you're experiencing internal tremors and stiffness, here are evidence-based steps recommended by neurological experts.

1. Schedule a Medical Evaluation

Start with your primary care doctor. You may be referred to a neurologist, preferably one specializing in movement disorders.

Bring notes about:

• When symptoms began
• Which side is affected
• Whether symptoms are worsening
• Any family history

2. Consider Medication If Diagnosed

The gold standard treatment for Parkinson's disease is levodopa, often combined with carbidopa.

Other approved medications include:

• Dopamine agonists
• MAO-B inhibitors
• COMT inhibitors

These medications help improve:

• Stiffness
• Slowness
• Tremor

They do not cure Parkinson's disease but can significantly improve quality of life.

3. Start Exercise Early

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools in Parkinson's disease management.

Research supports:

• Brisk walking
• Cycling
• Strength training
• Tai chi
• Balance training
• Physical therapy

Regular exercise can:

• Reduce stiffness
• Improve mobility
• Support balance
• Enhance mood

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week if medically cleared.

4. Work With a Multidisciplinary Team

Parkinson's disease management often includes:

• Neurologist
• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Speech therapist
• Mental health support

Addressing speech, swallowing, mood, and mobility early improves long-term outcomes.

5. Monitor Non-Motor Symptoms

Parkinson's disease affects more than movement. It can involve:

• Sleep disturbances
• Depression or anxiety
• Cognitive changes
• Blood pressure fluctuations

These symptoms are treatable and should not be ignored.

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Can Internal Tremors Be Caused by Anxiety?

Yes. Anxiety can cause:

• Muscle tension
• Internal vibration sensations
• Chest fluttering
• Increased awareness of normal body sensations

If internal tremors improve with relaxation or worsen during stress, anxiety may play a role.

However, persistent stiffness or progressive movement changes should still be medically evaluated.

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What If It's Not Parkinson's Disease?

That's entirely possible.

Other conditions that may cause stiffness or tremor include:

• Essential tremor
• Thyroid imbalance
• Medication side effects
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Autoimmune conditions

This is why professional evaluation is important. Self-diagnosis can be misleading.

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A Calm but Clear Takeaway

Internal tremors and stiffness can feel frightening. In many cases, they are not dangerous. But when symptoms persist or progress, they deserve medical attention.

Parkinson's disease is a serious condition—but it is treatable. Many people live full, active lives for decades with proper management.

If you are concerned:

• Track your symptoms
• Use a free online symptom checker to assess your Parkinson's Disease risk and organize your concerns
• Schedule a medical appointment

And most importantly:

If you experience sudden weakness, severe imbalance, trouble speaking, chest pain, or confusion, seek immediate medical care. For anything potentially serious or life-threatening, speak to a doctor right away.

Clarity leads to action. Action leads to better outcomes.