Photo: Nick Anderson of Greenville, N.C., left, his father Rick Anderson and stepbrother Jeramie Mullis pose with the 143-pound blue catfish caught Saturday in Virginia in Buggs Island Lake, also known as the Kerr Reservoir. The previous world record was a 130-pounder caught in the Missouri River last year.
A muscle cramp is a strong, painful contraction or tightening of a muscle that comes on suddenly and lasts from a few seconds to several minutes. It often occurs in the legs. A muscle cramp is also called a charley horse. Nighttime leg cramps are usually sudden spasms, or tightening, of muscles in the calf.
Causes of Muscle Spasms. Muscle spasms in the back can often be caused by a twisting or strain on one of the back muscles, which in turn causes involuntary muscle contractions. Although this often occurs when tense, tight back muscles are present, it can happen in any circumstance.s a result of the contraction people often complain of having symptoms of either a locked back, or a knot in their back. Among the most common causes of muscle spasms in the back... 1  a sneeze or cough. 2  lifting heavy objects. 3  incorrect sitting posture. 4  muscle overuse, or injury. 5  dehydration.