US Medical Term · symptoms
Muscle Spasm
Espasmo muscular
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Muscle Spasm |
| Spanish (Español) | Espasmo muscular |
| Chinese (中文) | 肌肉痙攣 |
| Korean (한국어) | 근육 경련 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Co thắt cơ |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Muscle spasm |
| Portuguese (Português) | Espasmo muscular |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | อาการกล้ามเนื้อหดเกร็ง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 筋痙攣 |
What it means
A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of one or more muscles that can cause intense, localized pain. The muscle may feel hard, visibly twitch, or stay contracted for seconds to minutes. Spasms commonly affect the back, neck, legs, and feet. They can be triggered by dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, muscle overuse or fatigue, poor blood circulation, nerve irritation, or holding a position too long. Most muscle spasms resolve on their own. Stretching the affected muscle, applying heat, staying hydrated, and gentle massage can help. See a provider if spasms are frequent, severe, do not improve, or occur alongside weakness or significant pain.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I had a sudden muscle spasm in my back when I bent over to pick something up.
Tuve un espasmo muscular repentino en la espalda cuando me agaché para recoger algo.
My calf muscle is cramping and spasming and it is very painful.
Mi músculo de la pantorrilla está con calambres y espasmos y es muy doloroso.
I get muscle spasms in my neck that make it hard to move.
Tengo espasmos musculares en el cuello que me dificultan moverme.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026