A muscle spasm is a sudden contraction of a muscle that causes a sharp cramp. They usually occur unexpectedly, very quickly, are painful, yet resolve as fast as they came. Spasms to the muscles of the skeletal system are the most common and occur when they are overused and tired. This is common in the neck, shoulder, and back. Conditions of the spine (such as a degenerative condition or a spinal cord injury) can be associated with muscle spasm.
About the Author: Donald Corenman, MD, DC
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.