Esophageal spasms are sometimes called nutcracker esophagus, though this is actually only one of the types of spasm.
People afflicted have irregular, uncoordinated, and sometimes powerful contractions of the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
Normally, contractions of the esophagus are coordinated, moving the food through the esophagus and into the stomach.
There are two main types of esophageal spasm. First, there is something called the diffuse esophageal spasm.
This type of spasm is an irregular, uncoordinated squeezing of the muscles of the esophagus. This can prevent food from reaching the stomach, leaving it stuck in the esophagus.
Second is something called nutcracker esophagus. This type of spasm squeezes the esophagus in a coordinated way, the same way food is normally moved down the esophagus.
However, the squeezing is very strong. So while these contractions succeed in moving food through the esophagus, they can also cause severe pain.
It’s possible to have both types of esophageal spasm occur, and so the presence of one type doesn’t preclude suffering from the other type.
Be certain what you have
Esophageal spasms are uncommon, and can often feel like a heart attack. It’s important that you see a doctor ensure that what you have are esophageal spasms and not something more serious.
In addition, symptoms that may suggest an esophageal spasm are often the result of another condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or achalasia, a problem with the nervous system in which the muscles of the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter don’t work properly. Anxiety or panic attacks can also cause similar symptoms.
Because esophageal spasms can easily be taken for different conditions, other conditions might actually be the root cause of them, and the spasms can look like a variety of other conditions, it is essential that you consult a health professional to ensure you know what you have and can manage it accordingly.
It’s very difficult to take steps to control a condition that hasn’t been definitively diagnosed.
Natural measures to control esophageal spasms are often measures that will be just good for your health generally, which doesn’t necessarily make them any easier to implement, but might be something else to keep in mind while you pursue them.
Start a Food Diary
In order to keep track of the foods and beverages that trigger or worsen your symptoms, start keeping a log or diary of what you eat.
You will find that certain foods bring on spasms and worsen your condition. There are also foods that will either safe to eat, or will actually provide a benefit to you.
There are foods and beverages that are generally helpful or harmful, including peppermint, which can help relieve symptoms, and caffeine, which is generally a good idea to avoid.
However, to get a better and clear understanding of the effect your diet has on the condition, it is essential that you start logging your intake.
Change your eating habits
Along with controlling your diet, you’ll probably want to make some changes to your eating schedule. Eat a number of small meals instead of having two or three large meals.
This is also good for general health and can be useful to help with weight control as well as medical conditions.
Control your weight
If you need to, lose a little weight. Losing even a few pounds can help with symptoms. Focus on losing you’re first five or ten pounds, and depending on your situation, that might be enough.
A side-effect of esophageal spasms can be weight loss, but it’s better to have control of this yourself, rather than allowing the condition to make you feel weak and undernourished.
Eat more fiber
Increase your fiber consumption to at least forty grams a day. Make sure to include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Again, this is a good measure to take just for general health and helps both with weight control and digestive issues in addition to esophageal conditions.
Avoid alcohol
Avoid alcohol, or keep your consumption to a minimum, drinking it only with meals. Also, the pleasant “side-effects
†of alcohol can lower inhibitions and encourage you to indulge and eat known trigger foods.
Avoid hot or cold
Both very hot and very cold food and drink can make things worse. Extreme temperatures put stresses on your esophagus and exacerbate symptoms.
Get some licorice
There has been some success in managing and relieving spasms with Deglycyrrhizinated licorice or DGL.
Unlike a drug, the supplement needs to be taken regularly, and not just to relieve an attack. It comes in chewable tablets and in powder form.
Slowly chew two tablets or take a half-teaspoon of the powder before or between meals and at bedtime. Once your symptoms are under control, you can lower your dosage. Check the prices for the bestseller Deglycyrrhizinated licorice on Amazon.
Wait to lie down
Think of lying down as being like swimming, and leave yourself a good, long time before you lie down after eating.
You have to be quite patient since it’s best to wait two or three hours. Late-night snacks aren’t a good idea either since it’s almost inevitable that you’ll lie down for sleep not long after eating.
Stop smoking  Â
Easier said than done, but avoid using any form of tobacco. You need to relieve the strain that nicotine puts on the body.
Nicotine causes stresses in your esophagus, and inhaling hot smoke through your windpipe will just make things worse.
Make sure you have room to breath
Constriction of the diaphragm and other core muscles can make cause an attack of esophageal spasms. Do not wear tight clothing around your middle.
Blandness
Unfortunately, the general theme of these measures seems to be that bland is better for esophageal contractions.
If you increase fiber intake, avoid spicy food, hot food, and alcohol, it might seem almost inevitable that your diet will be terribly bland.
However, if you consider that the alternative might be an attack of very painful spasms, then learning to reconcile yourself to a bland diet is a small price to pay.
15 Ways To Find Immediate Relief For Esophageal Spasms
To get rid of esophageal spasms rapidly, here are 15 things that you can do for immediate relief.
1. Drink A Carbonated Beverage
Spasms of the esophagus are caused by gas and acid reflux. So, carbonation causes the body to expel gas. Have you noticed that when you take a large drink of a soda that you burp?
These drinks will help you to get rid of the gas that is causing pain and pressure. It can bring instant relief when you are in pain from these contractions. Just make sure it’s not a caffeinated drink as these can make things worse.
2. Peppermint Oil and Water
Essential oils are lovely remedies for whatever ails you. When it comes to these painful spasms, peppermint has been proven to be an effective treatment.
Just mix a few drops in a glass of water. The soothing nature of the oil will calm the esophagus. Find it on Amazon.
3. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice
Managing a sudden attack can be done with licorice. It comes in both powder and chewable form. It takes about two tablets or a half-teaspoon to stop the attack.
For controlling symptoms, you can take this in-between your mealtimes or around bedtime. The dosage can be lowered once the symptoms are under control.
4. Remove Any Tight Clothing
Some clothes tend to be more binding than others. If you have anything on your chest that can constrict breathing, it needs to be removed.
Things like bras and compression garments can make breathing difficult during an attack.
5. Drink Aloe Vera Gel
Many people have been helped by the healing power of Aloe Vera gel. While it’s commonly thought of as a cure for sunburns, it can bring much-needed relief to the esophagus too.
All it takes is about one-fourth of a cup. Some have said that they feel better taking one-half of a cup each day. It can help to heal erosions in the esophagus caused by acid too.
6. Drink Ice Cold Water
According to the Mayo Clinic, Water is an excellent cure for esophageal issues. Those who suffer continuously say that by drinking the proper amount of water each day, it keeps them from happening.
However, a glass of cold water can bring instant relief when suffering from these painful attacks.
7. Glyceryl Trinitrate Spray
Though this is a drug that is commonly given to heart patients, it can help when you are experiencing spasms.
Directly spray this on the tongue, and it instantly widens the blood vessels in the entire body.
You will need a prescription for this medication, but it’s good to keep it on hand if nothing else has helped.
8. Liquid Antacids
Most pharmacies have some antacids for heartburn. However, when it comes to the spasms, it seems that the liquid appears to be a better fix. Since these can coat an inflamed area, many find instant relief.
The pill form can help some, but they can’t coat as the liquid does.
9. Calcium Channel Blockers
Diltiazem, or medications in this class, are often used in patients that have high blood pressure, angina, and chest pain.
It’s a calcium-channel blocker that helps to open blood vessels thus relieving discomfort.
A prescription is required, but it can provide instant relief and can stop the spasms altogether with a daily regimen.
10. Sit up Straight and Be Still
For some strange reason, many people that suffer report that moving around or lying down makes symptoms worse.
It’s not uncommon for the dizziness to accompany this pain. Sit in an upright position with correct posture until the attack passes.
Though the first response is to lye down to get relief, in this case, you are better sitting up.
11. Ibuprofen
According to Treato Website, the NSAIDs are probably not the best for instant help, studies have shown that ibuprofen can help with esophageal attacks.
Aspirin is also a good pain reliever. It may take these medications a few minutes to start working, but they can help.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar with Lemon and Honey
Apple cider vinegar has got a great deal of publicity lately due to its natural healing abilities.
When the tightness and pressure from the chest are unbearable, merely mix some water, lemon, honey, and apple cider vinegar to take a GI cocktail.
13. Turmeric Tea
According to Turmeric For Health Website, Turmeric is a great natural cure for muscle spasms.
Since spasms in the esophagus are caused by muscles contracting, it can work great on these painful occurrences too. Check the prices for the best Turmeric Tea on Amazon.
14. Fermented Foods – Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut works along the same lines as a carbonated drink. It’s a gaseous food that causes you to expel gas.
A heaping helping of sauerkraut or another fermented food like kimchi can help you get rid of the gaseous buildup, which fuels the spasms.
15. Lavender Oil
Another essential oil that gets a lot of praise for helping many physical issues is lavender oil. Many don’t realize that lavender is an extreme pain reliever too.
Just rub the oil on the chest area, precisely where the spasm is located. Relief is almost instant, and there are no lingering side effects either. Check the prices for best Lavender Oil on Amazon.
The comments above are crazy to me….I wake up with esophageal spasms…..nothing helps…My blood pressure goes sky high…My family calls 911 & it takes days for all the pain to go away & then a few more to get my zapped energy back !
The comments above are crazy to me….I wake up with esophageal spasms…..nothing helps…My blood pressure goes sky high…My family calls 911 & it takes days for all the pain to go away & then a few more to get my zapped energy back !
Just like Kathy Hench, I too woke up at 1:00 AM with the same symptoms. Nothing seems to help and my blood pressure also goes sky high. I have had this affliction for 1 1/2 years and am 52 years old. When this first happened, I thought I was having a heart attack and went to the ER 3 times. I’ve tried the aloe water, tap water and about the only thing I haven’t had is holy water!
Just like Kathy Hench, I too woke up at 1:00 AM with the same symptoms. Nothing seems to help and my blood pressure also goes sky high. I have had this affliction for 1 1/2 years and am 52 years old. When this first happened, I thought I was having a heart attack and went to the ER 3 times. I’ve tried the aloe water, tap water and about the only thing I haven’t had is holy water!
Drinking some cold milk helps me instantly
Drinking some cold milk helps me instantly
Have any of you tried a couple swallows of water? After three weekends in the hospital over the years………..having coronary tests which showed nothing…………tried swallowing an aspirin one night. Pain stopped immediately, Knew it could not be aspirin. Doctor confirmed it………….and I go no where without my water………………..
Have any of you tried a couple swallows of water? After three weekends in the hospital over the years………..having coronary tests which showed nothing…………tried swallowing an aspirin one night. Pain stopped immediately, Knew it could not be aspirin. Doctor confirmed it………….and I go no where without my water………………..
My GI doc uses Botox on mine and it works.
My GI doc uses Botox on mine and it works.
Drinking hot water or tea helps me.
Drinking hot water or tea helps me.
I noticed that my esophageal spasms occur when I eat raw carrots and/or eating too fast. The only thing that stops it is throwing up the food stuck in my esophagus. Even water sometimes does not flow through and backs up- I have almost choked in such cases. However, with a mild spasm, I was able to get the food to go down with a swig of yogurt drink, which is fairly thick.
I noticed that my esophageal spasms occur when I eat raw carrots and/or eating too fast. The only thing that stops it is throwing up the food stuck in my esophagus. Even water sometimes does not flow through and backs up- I have almost choked in such cases. However, with a mild spasm, I was able to get the food to go down with a swig of yogurt drink, which is fairly thick.
I have spasms in the upper part of the esophagus – made worse when I eat chicken that isn’t chewed well enough. Actually, a bite of bread helps. When this happens, I cannot drink water.
I have spasms in the upper part of the esophagus – made worse when I eat chicken that isn’t chewed well enough. Actually, a bite of bread helps. When this happens, I cannot drink water.
drinking glass of water as fast as you can helps my chest pain during esophagus spasms eventhough it is bit painful to drink and it sure did help with chest pain
drinking glass of water as fast as you can helps my chest pain during esophagus spasms eventhough it is bit painful to drink and it sure did help with chest pain
Coffee and stress made my symptoms way worse.
Now I avoid coffee and chew my food really well, eat sitting straight up and try not to lay down for at least 1 hr after eating. I would say the symptoms are controlled and are decreasing in frequency. I feel the stress at work in the AM is what really brought it on.
Coffee and stress made my symptoms way worse.
Now I avoid coffee and chew my food really well, eat sitting straight up and try not to lay down for at least 1 hr after eating. I would say the symptoms are controlled and are decreasing in frequency. I feel the stress at work in the AM is what really brought it on.
i have had the esophageal manometry test and ph monitoring along wit endoscopies- The Dr GI says i have nutcracker esophagus- My only symptoms have been constant for throat and recess therer- I am on Levbid twice a day to control spasm but have had this since janjuary and my throat has good and bad days- Anyoneelse have the throat issue and what do I do? they say maybe endoscopy wit botox or dilation No t sure i want o do that
i have had the esophageal manometry test and ph monitoring along wit endoscopies- The Dr GI says i have nutcracker esophagus- My only symptoms have been constant for throat and recess therer- I am on Levbid twice a day to control spasm but have had this since janjuary and my throat has good and bad days- Anyoneelse have the throat issue and what do I do? they say maybe endoscopy wit botox or dilation No t sure i want o do that
My spasms just started about two weeks ago. I usually have high tolerance for pain but this pain is excruciating. It starts as a spasm in my throat and then severe pressure to my chest, shoulders, jaw and teeth. My blood pressure raises to 200/120 but as soon as the spasm release my BP go down to 120/70. I also thought that I was having an MI, only because I have long cardiac history. I went to the hospital they did all the testing and everything was negative. I realized that it had to do with my food intake. My regular MD recommended to go to see GI, I just made an appointment for endoscopy. At this point my doctor recommended stay away from coffee, no meat. She suggests farina, yogurts, something soft and smooth. I follow her suggestions and so far two days no spasms.
My spasms just started about two weeks ago. I usually have high tolerance for pain but this pain is excruciating. It starts as a spasm in my throat and then severe pressure to my chest, shoulders, jaw and teeth. My blood pressure raises to 200/120 but as soon as the spasm release my BP go down to 120/70. I also thought that I was having an MI, only because I have long cardiac history. I went to the hospital they did all the testing and everything was negative. I realized that it had to do with my food intake. My regular MD recommended to go to see GI, I just made an appointment for endoscopy. At this point my doctor recommended stay away from coffee, no meat. She suggests farina, yogurts, something soft and smooth. I follow her suggestions and so far two days no spasms.