Colic or cholic (/ˈkɒlɪk/) is a form of pain that starts and stops abruptly. It occurs due to muscular contractions of a hollow tube (small and large intestine, gall bladder, ureter, etc.) in an attempt to relieve an obstruction by forcing content out. It may be accompanied by sweating and vomiting. Types include: The term is from Greek κολικός kolikos, "relative to the colon".