Where is esophagus pain located

To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Esophageal Spasm. Top of the page. Topic Overview What is esophageal spasm? What causes esophageal spasm? What are the symptoms? How is esophageal spasm diagnosed?

How is it treated? Other treatment for esophageal spasm may include: Changing the foods you eat. Your doctor may tell you to eat certain foods and liquids to make swallowing easier.

In this treatment, a device is placed down your esophagus to carefully expand any narrow areas of your esophagus. You may need to have the treatment more than once. Surgery is sometimes used in people who have a problem that affects the lower esophageal muscle achalasia. To request an evaluation at Loma Linda University Health, contact this department or schedule the appointment through MyChart.

There are two types of esophageal spasms: Diffuse esophageal spasms — These spasms occur only occasionally. It can be very painful, and it may cause food or liquids to come back up. Nutcracker esophagus , also known as jackhammer esophagus — Although these contractions are painfully strong, it is less likely that food or liquids will come back up.

Other symptoms include: A feeling of heartburn or a squeezing type of chest pain Chest pain that may spread to the neck, arm or back If you try to swallow food or liquid during a spasm, it may come back up within seconds Symptoms can be constant or come and go.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests or procedures: Endoscop y — A flexible tube is put down your throat so your doctor can see inside the esophagus Biopsy — Your doctor may remove a tissue sample biopsy during the endoscopy to test and rule out other possible diseases X-ray — Pictures of your esophagus are taken after you swallow a contrast liquid Esophageal manometry — This is a test to measure contractions in your esophagus when you drink water Esophageal pH monitoring — This test will indicate if stomach acid is coming back into your esophagus acid reflux.

Treatment recommendations may include: Lifestyle changes and home remedies These are the first steps in reducing or eliminating occasional esophageal spasms.

To help reduce occasional esophageal spasms, try to: Avoid triggers — Identify foods and beverages that seem to cause your esophageal spasms and avoid them. Adjust food and beverage temperatures — Let very hot or very cold foods and drinks sit long enough to cool a bit before eating or drinking them. Control your stress — Esophageal spasms seem to be more common or more severe in people who are feeling stressed.

Control stress by getting more sleep, using relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine. Eosinophilic esophagitis EOE. American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology. Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic. Hard to Swallow — EOE. Rochester, Minn. Kahrilas PJ. Medical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults.

Ganz RA, et al. Long-term outcomes of patients receiving a magnetic sphincter augmentation device for gastroesophageal reflux. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Rakel D, ed. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. In: Integrative Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa. Dossett ML, et al. Integrative Medicine for Gastrointestinal Disease. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice.

Pasricha S, et al. Lymphocytic esophagitis: An emerging clinicopathologic disease associated with dysphagia. Digestive Diseases and Sciences. Infectious Esophageal Disorders. Merck Manual Professional Version. Bonis PA, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis. Treatment of oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis. Nguyen AD, et al. How to approach lymphocytic esophagitis.

Current Gastroenterology Reports. Alexander JA expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 26, Related Associated Procedures Allergy skin tests Upper endoscopy. Esophagus The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects your mouth and your stomach. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Cameron AM, et al. Current Surgical Therapy. Elsevier; Accessed Oct. Diffuse esophageal spasm corkscrew esophagus. Merck Manual Professional Version.