Jackhammer esophagus is a rare motility disorder where the muscles of the esophagus contract with excessive force and duration. Instead of the gentle wave like motion that pushes food to the stomach, these hypercontractile squeezes can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty swallowing. It's also known as hypercontractile esophagus.
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The exact cause isn't fully understood, but several factors may contribute:
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Jackhammer esophagus, also known as hypercontractile esophagus, is a rare swallowing disorder where the muscles of the esophagus contract too forcefully, leading to chest pain and difficulty moving food to the stomach.
It affects about 1 in every 100 people evaluated for swallowing problems, making it an uncommon but important condition to diagnose and treat.
Both involve strong esophageal contractions, but jackhammer esophagus has more intense and longer-lasting muscle spasms compared to the shorter, less powerful contractions seen in nutcracker esophagus.
Common treatments include muscle relaxers like calcium channel blockers, Botox injections to calm the esophageal muscles, esophageal dilation to stretch tight areas, and dietary changes such as softer foods and smaller meals.
You can help ease symptoms by eating soft foods, avoiding triggers like caffeine, and practicing stress-reduction techniques, but it's important to see a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
With appropriate treatment, many people experience significant symptom improvement, though some may require ongoing or repeated therapy to maintain relief.
If you have chest pain when swallowing, persistent heartburn, or a sensation of food sticking, schedule an appointment with the jackhammer esophagus experts at GastroDoxs in Houston.
Some patients report symptom relief within a few weeks of beginning treatment, though the exact timeline varies depending on the individual and the therapies used.
Yes. Stress and anxiety can trigger or worsen esophageal spasms, so stress management techniques are often included in a comprehensive treatment plan.
GastroDoxs in Houston specializes in swallowing and esophageal disorders, offering on-site testing, personalized treatment plans based on the latest research, and a caring team dedicated to your comfort.
