Muscle spasms (also called muscle cramps) occur when your muscle involuntarily and forcibly contracts uncontrollably and can’t relax. Muscle spasms are normal and quite common. They can involve part or all of a muscle or several muscles in a group. You can get muscle spasms anywhere in your body. Some of the most common types include: Back spasms. Arm spasms. Leg cramps and charley horses. Neck spasms. Chest cramps. Abdomen cramps. Ribcage spasms.