Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Jackhammer esophagus is a rare swallowing disorder in which the muscles of your esophagus squeeze too hard and for too long. This excessive contraction makes swallowing difficult and can trigger chest pain or pressure. Some patients also experience heartburn or feel like food is getting stuck. While these symptoms can be alarming, they're treatable with gentle, proven care from Dr. Rishi Chadha at GastroDoxs in Houston.
Dr. Chadha begins by discussing your swallowing difficulties, chest pain, heartburn, and overall health history to pinpoint possible triggers.
This key test measures the strength, coordination, and duration of muscle contractions in your esophagus during swallowing.
An endoscope is used to visually inspect the esophagus for inflammation, narrowing, or other structural issues that might contribute to your symptoms.
A small probe tracks acid levels in your esophagus over a full day, helping to identify reflux that may worsen contractions.
Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Jackhammer esophagus is a rare swallowing disorder where your esophageal muscles contract too forcefully and for too long, making swallowing painful and difficult.
While both involve overly strong contractions, jackhammer esophagus features longer, more powerful, and more painful muscle spasms than nutcracker esophagus.
No. Jackhammer esophagus typically requires medical evaluation and treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent worsening.
Treatment may include diet and lifestyle changes, medications (acid reducers, muscle relaxants, low-dose antidepressants), and minimally invasive procedures like Botox injections, balloon dilation, or POEM.
Esophageal manometry is the key diagnostic test that measures the strength and duration of your esophageal muscle contractions.
Yes. Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of side effects, performed by experienced specialists like Dr. Chadha.
Absolutely. Eating smaller, softer meals, chewing thoroughly, avoiding trigger foods (spicy, alcohol, caffeine), and raising your bed's head can reduce symptoms.
Generally yes. Botox injections relax the esophageal muscles; side effects are usually mild and may include temporary chest discomfort.
Most patients recover quickly and can resume normal eating within 1-2 days after balloon dilation.
Not always. Many patients gradually reduce or stop medications once their symptoms are well controlled under Dr. Chadha's guidance.
