What is the difference between muscle spasm and muscle strain

The muscles are only used to a particular degree of stress and strain, and anything that is over and above it can cause tiny tears and injuries to the muscle fibers. This can cause a muscle strain. Sometimes, the muscles can remain in a contracted state, either due to a sudden burst in muscle activity or an increase in the nerve signals that supply the muscle.

This is an involuntary effect called a muscle spasm. Certain medical conditions, such as lumbar disc prolapse, because spasms of the spinal muscles and muscle dystonias.

Very fine muscle spasms can be seen in conditions such as multiple sclerosis. These are called fasciculations. Muscle strains may also caused by overexertion of the muscle without sufficient training or warm up.

The symptom that is common to muscle spasms and strains is pain. The pain can be fairly severe and can even stop a patient in their tracks. Sometimes, just tiny muscle spasms can occur which can be more annoying than painful. These are called muscle twitches and rarely cause any pain. Most cases of muscle spasms and strains are diagnosed from a simple clinical history and examination. However, if they are due to an underlying disease, certain specialized tests, such as a muscle biopsy, may be needed to analyze the structure of the muscle under a microscope.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview A muscle strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon — the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Sprains and strains. Accessed April 27, Walls RM, et al. General principles of orthopedic injuries. Philadelphia, Pa. Safran MR, et al. People often hear the muscle "pop" when the injury happens.

This may result in extreme pain and the inability to use the affected muscle. A severe muscle strain injury is an emergency. You should see a doctor right away. To diagnose a sprain or strain, your doctor will examine the injury and ask questions about how it happened. He or she will also want to know if you've had the same injury before and any medications you are taking. A common treatment for sprains and strains is ibuprofen— a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication NSAID.

Some can't take them at all because of other medical conditions. Always tell your doctor about any other conditions you have or medications you take before starting treatment. Severe strains may require surgery if the muscle is too damaged to heal properly on its own. Your doctor may also refer you to a physical therapist to slowly increase the strength in that muscle to avoid further injury.

Health Alert:. Read the Latest. What is the difference between a sprain and strain? The words sprain and strain are similar, but they're really two different things. Sprains — occur when you stretch a ligament attached to a joint. Strains or torn muscles — occur when you stretch a muscle too far or put too much pressure on it, such as the calf muscle.

What causes sprains and strains? Causes and risk factors of sprains and strains may include: Beginning a rigorous exercise program too quickly. Continuing to perform physically demanding work when very tired.

Wearing high-heeled shoes or ill-fitting footwear. Picking up something that is heavy.