What is the Difference Between Twitch and Spasm?

Twitch and spasm are both involuntary contractions of a muscle, but they differ in certain aspects:

Twitch:

• A muscle twitch is a short contraction that may happen repeatedly.
• It can cause discomfort but is not typically painful.
• Muscle twitches can be observed or felt below the skin and are often caused by nerve damage or stimulation.
• Common causes of muscle twitches include overexertion, nutrient deficiencies, dehydration, and mental stress.

Spasm:

• A muscle spasm is a prolonged contraction that may cause pain.
• It is also known as a muscle cramp.
• Spasms often occur after exercise and can be diagnosed based on scanning and x-ray techniques.
• Like twitches, spasms can be caused by overexertion, nutrient deficiency, dehydration, and mental stress.

Both twitches and spasms can be treated with painkillers, and leading a healthy lifestyle with proper physical activity is recommended to prevent them.

Comparative Table: Twitch vs Spasm

The main difference between a twitch and a spasm lies in the duration and intensity of the muscle contractions. Here is a table comparing the two:

Twitches are short, involuntary contractions of muscle fibers that can sometimes occur repeatedly. They are usually mild and not painful. On the other hand, spasms are long, involuntary contractions of muscle fibers that can cause persistent pain. They can be caused by injury, strain, overexertion, anxiety, or other medical conditions.