From Anne Asher,
Your Guide to Back & Neck Pain.
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Definition: Muscle spasm is an intense reaction on the part of large muscle groups to injury or strain. In spasm, muscle groups contract very strongly in order to brace the injured structures. While painful and inconveniencing, muscle spasms provide protection to the body during times of injury and injury healing.


Source: Moffat, Marilyn, P.T., PhD, F.A.P.T.A, and Vickery, Steve. The American Physical Therapy Association Book of Body Maintenance and Repair. Owl Books, Henry Holt and Company, 1999. pp. 16-17.