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Jackhammer Esophagus
Dr. Nghia Nguyen at GastroDoxs in Houston offers specialized care for jackhammer esophagus, a rare motility disorder characterized by dangerously strong esophageal contractions causing chest pain and swallowing difficulties. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and personalized treatment options for lasting relief.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
What Is Jackhammer Esophagus?
Jackhammer esophagus is a rare motility disorder in which the muscles of the esophagus contract with excessive force during swallowing. Instead of the normal coordinated wave of muscle activity, the esophagus generates very strong, painful spasms that can make it difficult to move food or liquids from the mouth into the stomach.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Abnormal nerve signaling in the esophagus
Chronic acid reflux (GERD) irritating the muscle lining
Autoimmune conditions that affect muscle control
High levels of stress or anxiety
Family history of esophageal motility disorders
Signs and Symptoms
Severe, often squeezing chest pain sometimes mistaken for a heart attack
Difficulty swallowing solid food or liquids (dysphagia)
Sensation of food sticking in the chest or throat
Sudden, painful esophageal spasms during or after swallowing
Frequent heartburn or acid regurgitation
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Jackhammer Esophagus?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your swallowing difficulties, chest pain episodes, reflux history, stress levels and performs a focused physical exam.
Esophageal Manometry
This test measures the strength, duration and coordination of your esophageal muscle contractions to detect hypercontractility.
Upper Endoscopy
An endoscope is passed into the esophagus to inspect the lining, rule out inflammation, strictures or other structural causes of your symptoms.
Barium Swallow X-ray
You drink a contrast solution while X-rays capture how your esophagus moves.
Helps identify areas of intense contraction or delayed emptying.
Additional Testing (if needed)
High-resolution manometry provides a detailed pressure map of your esophagus, and specialized imaging rules out rare conditions.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for Jackhammer Esophagus.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat soft, small meals and chew slowly
Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine
Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after meals
Practice stress relief techniques like deep breathing or light stretching
2. Medications
Esophageal muscle relaxants to reduce spasms
Acid reducers to manage reflux symptoms
Low-dose antidepressants to help control pain
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Botox injections to lessen esophageal spasms
Balloon dilation for gentle stretching of tight areas
POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy) for severe muscle spasm relief
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes jackhammer esophagus?
It may be related to nerve signal problems in the esophagus, ongoing acid reflux, autoimmune disorders, or high levels of stress and anxiety.
How is this different from achalasia?
Jackhammer esophagus involves overly strong, spastic contractions of the esophageal muscle, whereas achalasia is characterized by weak or absent contractions and failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax.
Can food choices help?
Yes. Eating soft, small meals and avoiding triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can ease symptoms.
Can stress make it worse?
Yes. Stress and anxiety can increase the frequency and intensity of esophageal spasms and pain.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment may include diet and lifestyle modifications, muscle-relaxing medications, Botox injections, balloon dilation, or POEM.
Is POEM safe?
Yes. POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy) is a minimally invasive procedure with a high success rate and a quick recovery time.
