Though many people experience muscle twitching, it's often incorrectly identified as a muscle spasm. While both are involuntary contractions of a muscle, muscle spasms and muscle twitching aren't actually the same thing. A muscle twitch is a short contraction that sometimes occurs repeatedly − think eye twitching. Such movement can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but it isn't usually painful. Muscle spasms, on the other hand, are prolonged muscle contractions that are often painful. In many cases, the same practices that prevent or end muscle spasms can also prevent or end muscle twitches − though experts say it isn't possible for most people to avoid either completely.

Though many people experience muscle twitching, it's often incorrectly identified as a muscle spasm. While both are involuntary contractions of a muscle, muscle spasms and muscle twitching aren't actually the same thing. A muscle twitch is a short contraction that sometimes occurs repeatedly − think eye twitching. Such movement can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but it isn't usually painful. Muscle spasms, on the other hand, are prolonged muscle contractions that are often painful. In many cases, the same practices that prevent or end muscle spasms can also prevent or end muscle twitches − though experts say it isn't possible for most people to avoid either completely.

Though many people experience muscle twitching, it's often incorrectly identified as a muscle spasm. While both are involuntary contractions of a muscle, muscle spasms and muscle twitching aren't actually the same thing. A muscle twitch is a short contraction that sometimes occurs repeatedly − think eye twitching. Such movement can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but it isn't usually painful. Muscle spasms, on the other hand, are prolonged muscle contractions that are often painful. In many cases, the same practices that prevent or end muscle spasms can also prevent or end muscle twitches − though experts say it isn't possible for most people to avoid either completely.