A skeletal spasm is an acute and involuntary contraction of a muscle, often occurring when the muscle is overworked.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Involuntary Contraction: A key characteristic of a skeletal spasm is that it is not under your conscious control. The muscle tightens up without you willing it to do so.
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Common Cause: Overexertion: Skeletal muscle spasms frequently arise in muscles that are being pushed beyond their usual limits. This excessive work can trigger the painful contraction.
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Pain and Tightness: The spasm results in acute muscle pain. You may also observe or feel a bulging, tightened muscle under the skin at the affected area.
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Location: These spasms usually occur in muscles that you can control (skeletal muscles), such as those in your back, legs, or neck.
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Example: A common example is a "charley horse" in the calf muscle after strenuous exercise.
In summary, a skeletal spasm is a sudden, painful, and involuntary tightening of a skeletal muscle, often brought on by overexertion.
