Jackhammer Esophagus is a rare motility disorder in which the muscle contractions of the esophagus become excessively strong during swallowing. These high-pressure spasms can cause intense chest pain and make it feel as though food is stuck in your throat or chest. Because the symptoms can mimic heart conditions, proper testing is important for an accurate diagnosis.
You may notice one or more of the following:
The exact cause of Jackhammer Esophagus isn't fully understood, but several factors appear to play a role:
At GastroDoxs in Katy, we specialize in diagnosing and treating Jackhammer Esophagus using advanced motility testing and individualized care plans. Our compassionate team is committed to relieving your chest pain and swallowing difficulties so you can enjoy meals without fear. Don't wait-call us or book online now to schedule your appointment with a Jackhammer Esophagus expert and start your journey to lasting relief.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Jackhammer Esophagus is a rare motility disorder in which the muscles of the esophagus contract with excessive force during swallowing, causing chest pain and difficulty moving food and liquids down into the stomach.
No. It's considered rare, affecting fewer than 1 in 100 people who undergo testing for swallowing disorders.
The exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to changes in esophageal nerves or muscles, chronic acid reflux (GERD), certain medications (e.g., asthma inhalers, antidepressants), or stress and anxiety.
Symptoms often include sharp or gripping chest pain, the sensation of food sticking in your throat or chest, difficulty swallowing solids or liquids, heartburn, and burping up undigested food.
Diagnosis usually involves high-resolution esophageal manometry to measure muscle contractions, upper endoscopy to inspect the lining, and pH monitoring to assess acid exposure.
Treatment can include lifestyle and dietary changes (small, soft meals; avoiding spicy or acidic foods), medications (muscle relaxers, calcium channel blockers, acid reducers), endoscopic therapies (Botox injections, mechanical dilation), and-rarely-surgery.
A gastroenterologist with specialized training in esophageal motility disorders-such as the GastroDoxs team-is best equipped to manage and treat Jackhammer Esophagus.
Yes. Stress and anxiety can trigger or intensify esophageal spasms, worsening chest pain and swallowing difficulties.
Most patients achieve relief with medications or Botox injections. Surgery is rarely required and only considered when other treatments fail.
GastroDoxs in Katy offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for Jackhammer Esophagus using modern diagnostic tools, personalized care plans, and a patient-centered approach. Call or book online today.
