Muscle spasm

A muscle spasm is an involuntary, sudden contraction of a muscle that can cause pain and stiffness. It occurs when muscles contract without your control, often due to fatigue, dehydration, stress, or overuse. Spasms can happen in any muscle, but are common in the back, neck, and legs. They usually last seconds to minutes and resolve on their own, sometimes with gentle stretching or massaging. Factors like electrolyte imbalances or nerve irritation can contribute. While often temporary, frequent or severe spasms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to identify underlying causes.