Pangs, e.g. are intense feelings of distress or suffering, often associated with physical pain. The term is derived from the Old English word 'pangian, ' which means to press or squeeze. Spasms, which is a 6 letter solution for the crossword, is a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, fatigue, and certain medical conditions.