Muscle Spasm

Definition

Muscle spasm is a painful, involuntary movement of a muscle. Persistent increased tension and shortness in a muscle or group of muscles that cannot be released voluntarily.
Muscle spasm is also known as a muscle cramp.   Muscle spasms are common and most people experience a temporary skeletal muscle spasm at some point in their life.  Muscle spasms and cramps can also be caused by neuromuscular disorders.