A spasm is a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction, while stiffness is a persistent feeling of tightness and difficulty moving a muscle or joint.
Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
Spasm
- Definition: A sudden, involuntary contraction or tightening of a muscle.
- Nature: Brief and often painful. Can range from a slight twitch to a severe cramp.
- Cause: Often triggered by dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, overuse, or nerve irritation.
- Symptoms: Visible or palpable muscle contraction, pain, restricted movement during the spasm.
- Example: A leg cramp that occurs during the night or after exercise.
Stiffness
- Definition: A sensation of tightness, inflexibility, and difficulty moving a muscle or joint.
- Nature: Can be persistent or intermittent, and often accompanied by reduced range of motion.
- Cause: May be due to inflammation, arthritis, injury, prolonged inactivity (e.g., sitting for too long), or spasticity (a condition where muscles are continuously contracted).
- Symptoms: Difficulty moving a joint or muscle, limited range of motion, pain (often dull), and a feeling of tightness.
- Example: Morning stiffness in joints due to arthritis, or stiffness in muscles after a strenuous workout.
Table Summarizing the Differences
| Feature | Spasm | Stiffness |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Sudden, involuntary muscle contraction | Persistent feeling of tightness/inflexibility |
| Nature | Brief, often painful | Can be persistent or intermittent |
| Cause | Dehydration, overuse, nerve irritation | Inflammation, injury, inactivity, spasticity |
| Duration | Short | Can be prolonged |
In essence, think of a spasm as a muscle suddenly and forcefully clenching, while stiffness is a more constant feeling of the muscle being tight and difficult to move. Spasms are events, while stiffness is a state. Spasticity, as referenced in the prompt, is a specific neurological condition that can cause stiffness, among other symptoms.
