Painful spasm is a term used to describe a range of involuntary muscle contractions that can cause discomfort or pain. CRICK, THROE, CRAMP and KINK are all words used to describe different types of painful spasms. A CRICK is a sharp, sudden pain in the neck or back caused by a muscle spasm. A THROE is an intense, often painful spasm of the body. A CRAMP is a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. A KINK is a sharp, localized pain caused by a muscle spasm.