Diffuse Esophageal Spasm in the Era of High-Resolution Manometry., UpToDate.com: "Major Diagnosis of Esophageal Hyperperistalsis.". Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/07/2021. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. A cricopharyngeal spasm occurs when the cricopharyngeus muscle in the throat is overly or excessively contracted. The muscles that make up the esophagus work together in intricate ways. Too much acid in the esophagus could also lead to the problem. This includes many conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract like Barrett's Esophagus, acid reflux, and esophageal spasms. Here's what. This protein is derived from bacteria, and it temporarily paralyzes the muscles. Cricopharyngeal Spasm. You will likely be put through a barium swallow, where a specifically prepared liquid is used to make the actions of your esophagus more visible on an X-ray. Given the severity of esophageal spasms and the similarity of their symptoms to angina, its important to be checked out by a doctor. Its usually performed through a small incision in either your abdomen or chest wall. If you have sudden chest pain or other signs of a heart attack, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. What types of foods are likely to make my symptoms worse? Peroral endoscopic myotomy for esophageal motility disorders. Outcomes of endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy with CO2 laser surgery: A retrospective study of 47 patients. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus, or food pipe, which causes the cells and muscles to lose function. Feeling as if something is pushing or applying pressure to the space below the Adams apple. It tends to remain focal or become segmental. Always check in with your provider if you experience similar symptoms for longer than two weeks. Ask for more information about the following: Copyright Merative 2022 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. We are committed to providing you with the most comprehensive quality of gastroenterology care. The cricopharyngeal muscle sometimes called the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is located at the top portion of your esophagus (food pipe). Your medical team may also run some tests to confirm your diagnosis. The procedure is typically done using an endoscope, which consists of a flexible tube with a camera and light attached, and a laser to make the cuts. Your doctor also will check for signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause heartburn and make it hard to swallow. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol. If your muscle spasms are caused by achalasia, your doctor may suggest injecting Botox in your lower esophageal sphincter, which relaxes the esophageal muscles. An estimated 5.2 percent of people who experience serious strokes, experience some form of cricopharyngeal dysfunction. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. It also plays a role in how you. This test can help to diagnose nutcracker esophagus. Feel your stomach moving against your hand. A diaphragm flutter can also be caused by phrenic nerve irritation. All rights reserved. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Since 1986, Cary GI physicians have seen over 100,000 patients and performed more than 50,000 colonoscopies. Let's look at the details. Unfortunately, because researchers have not uncovered what causes esophageal spasms, you cant prevent the condition from happening altogether. Identifying the foods and drinks that trigger muscle spasms in the esophagus and then avoiding them can be a good starting point. That means theres a problem with how the muscles in the food pipe squeeze together (contract) to move contents through the rest of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. This series of contractions is called peristalsis. Treatment options for more severe or disabling cases of cricopharyngeal spasms include: Medical therapy may be necessary for cricopharyngeal spasms that have a known cause, last for more than six months, or are painful, disabling, or cause severe anxiety. You can: Current Opinion in Gastroenterology: Distal esophageal spasm., Merck Manual Professional Version: Symptomatic Diffuse Esophageal Spasm., Keck School of Medicine of USC: Diseases and Disorders: Esophageal Motility Disorders., Gastroenterology Clinics of North America: Esophageal Spasm: Demographic, Clinical, Radiographic, and Manometric Features in 108 Patients., Cedars-Sinai: Diffuse Esophageal Spasm., Gastroenterology and Hepatology. There are several other factors that are strongly correlated to the presence of esophageal spasms, but the exact causal links are not well understood. Peppermint lozenges may be a simple way to administer this natural remedy. The surgeon cuts the thick muscle in the lower part of the esophagus. Eat nutritious foods that are high in fiber, and lose weight if youre overweight. Symptoms tend to disappear while youre eating or drinking. Peppermint oil can help relax the muscles, including those in the esophagus. After you swallow, esophagus muscles contract (flex and relax). Esophageal spasm is a sudden, painful tightening of your lower esophagus. Esophageal spasms are abnormal muscle contractions in the esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach). What causes esophageal spasm? If your spasms are occasional, your provider might first recommend avoiding extremely hot or cold foods to see if that relieves your symptoms. If you overexert your diaphragm during exercise, it may start to spasm. Esophageal spasms are problems with muscles in your esophagus, the tube that takes food and drink to your stomach after you swallow. Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional? Action myoclonus is the most disabling type. Several segments of the esophagus contract independent of each other simultaneously thus causing improper propagation of the food bolus in DES. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/cricopharyngeal-muscle-dysfunction/). During this procedure, a surgeon inserts an endoscope through your mouth and then cuts the muscle at the bottom of your esophagus to weaken contractions. Accessed Oct. 6, 2020. Feeling like there is a lump in your throat, Stay away from foods that commonly cause heartburn, (such as carbonated beverages), Keep a food journal to identify foods that may worsen your symptoms. Other tests that help diagnose esophageal spasms include: Esophageal spasm treatments focus on relaxing the esophageal muscles to relieve your symptoms. Accessed Oct. 8, 2020. If esophageal spasms dont cause symptoms, you may not need treatment. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Make a donation. Learn more about the link between these conditions here. Feng J, et al. Call 911 or seek immediate medical care if you experience: Left untreated, moderate to severe cases of esophageal spasms can negatively affect your quality of life. One of the first recommendations may be to take peppermint oil or lozenges. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Cricopharyngeal spasm pain is usually worse between meals. In addition to medical treatments, there are also ways to manage cricopharyngeal spasm symptoms at home. Lee, B. E., & Kim, G. H. (2012, May 28). There are two main types of esophageal spasm: Sometimes called distal esophageal spasm, this form of spasm is more likely to be typified by regurgitation of food or drink. When these contractions become uncoordinated, they hinder this process instead of aiding it. Small hiatal hernias dont usually cause problems, whereas large hiatal hernias can cause pain and difficulty breathing. Many different things can cause esophagitis. Current Surgical Therapy. An endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube called an endoscope down your throat and into your esophagus. Other causes are more involved and may have a number of additional symptoms associated with them. Antidepressants might also reduce the pain that esophageal spasms cause. Procedures. Carpopedal spasms are sporadic, painful muscle contractions in your hands and feet. Jot down the temperature as well as the quantity. (2017). Typical causes include tongue weakness after stroke, difficulty chewing food or neuromuscular problems. If your stools are pale or, Diverticulitis supportive therapy includes things you can do at home, such as using a heating pad or OTC pain relievers or following a liquid or low, Diverticular bleeding can be a serious condition. If this doesn't work, you may be asked to try a calcium channel blocker, often also given for heart issues, or a tricyclic antidepressant. Alongside your treatment, you can also help manage your esophageal spasms at home. In people with cricopharyngeal spasm, this muscle contracts too much. This can lead to difficulties with swallowing, chest pain, and regurgitation. What Are Muscle Spasms? Last medically reviewed on July 27, 2017. Foods that are too hot or too cold may increase how often your esophagus spasms. A new app-based 3-D model of the full female anatomy is said to be the most advanced to date and could help change the level of medical care women. Treating the underlying cause is your first line of defense in eliminating or reducing symptoms. They may include: Yes. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11894-017-0601-x, http://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(13)01255-X/fulltext, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/diffuse-esophageal-spasm, https://aoe.amegroups.com/article/view/5438/html, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002934318302845, http://www.giejournal.org/article/S0016-5107(14)02318-9/abstract, http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(17)35688-3/abstract, http://www.oeso.org/OESO/books/Vol_5_Eso_Junction/Articles/art372.html, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1096288315000145, https://www.jscimedcentral.com/Gastroenterology/gastroenterology-3-1036.pdf, https://academic.oup.com/dote/article/30/3/1/2726082, http://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(14)00932-X/abstract, http://www.academia.edu/1445275/Spasmolytic_Botanicals_Relaxing_Smooth_Muscle_with_Herbs, https://academic.oup.com/dote/article/31/9/doy071/5087687, Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. A twisted, or corkscrew-shaped, esophagus is often involved in powerful spasms. But the primary known factors include: Cricopharyngeal symptoms can range from mild to severe. Esophageal spasms that come and go sometimes take years to diagnose. Hypercontractile Peristalsis or Jackhammer Esophagus. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. A feeling of mucous being stuck in the throat that cannot be coughed up or swallowed. Your esophagus is the muscular tube running from your throat to the top of your stomach. Generally speaking, spasms in the esophagus are not dangerous. Last medically reviewed on December 12, 2017, Chronic hiccups are more serious than standard hiccups and usually require a doctor's attention. If youve already had an esophageal spasm, you probably want to avoid having another one. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Data Sources: We searched PubMed and Google Scholar using the following search terms alone and in various combinations: dysphagia, esophageal spasm, gastroesophageal reflux disease, eosinophilic . https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/esophageal-and-swallowing-disorders/diffuse-esophageal-spasm#. (2017). Steps to Take, Feeling like something is stuck in your throat, Backward flowing of food or drink (regurgitation), Have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Even though their cause is not completely understood, esophageal spasms can usually be treated effectively. Even though a spasm in your esophagus is not life threatening like the heart attack it is often mistaken for, it can be very disruptive and certainly uncomfortable. This is despite a persistent or continuous feeling of restriction. Other tests may be used to rule out overlapping conditions but the results of those tests will not ultimately indicate jackhammer esophagus. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The symptoms of esophageal spasms usually come and go. This is a pocket that forms in the esophageal lining. It takes food or drink to your stomach after you swallow. If your usual cures dont work, try these all-natural remedies.Hiccups can strike your toddler at any, A hiccup is a reflex. Sphincters (muscular valves) at both ends of the esophagus open and close to let food and drinks pass from your mouth to your stomach. The full range of contributing factors that influence the development of cricopharyngeal spasms is still unknown. In some cases, surgery is necessary. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/03/2020. You have new or worse chest pain and shortness of breath. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Both treatments are non-surgical procedures. There are two types of esophageal spasms: Diffuse esophageal spasms - These spasms occur only occasionally. Learning relaxation techniques and physical therapy exercises can help reduce your symptoms. What Are the Early Warning Signs of Appendicitis. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. The greatest danger of an esophageal spasm itself is usually the temporary difficulty swallowing and the possibility of throwing up if a spasm strikes while you are eating. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about these and other treatments for esophageal spasms: The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. That means food and liquids come back up after you swallow them. This can be a result of a neurological or muscular problem. Lie flat on your back on the floor or on a bed. Throat twitches may also be related to esophageal spasms, acid reflux or other conditions. Find the latest information from the globally recognized leader in digestive diagnosis, treatments and surgical innovations. This can inhibit your ability to eat and drink. Food or liquid comes back up after you swallow it (regurgitation). It can be felt as quick jab of pain or a throbbing annoyance. Pain in other areas near your chest, such as your shoulder, arm or neck. Standardized deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract, taken an hour or two before or after meals, may help reduce spasms. Options of home treatments for cricopharyngeal spasms include: Once cricopharyngeal spasms are diagnosed, people become less anxious about the symptoms and tend to notice the spasms less. There are a set of underlying conditions that make you predisposed to having a spasm, but the exact reasons may not be immediately obvious. They might also recommend manometry, which uses a thin, specialized tube to measure esophageal contractions. Nair, S. S., Surendaran, A. J., Menon, J. R., Sreedharan, S. E., & Sylaja, P. N. (2016, AprilJune). Pale or clay-colored stools are not normal. Esophageal spasm is the unexpected, uncoordinated contraction of your esophageal muscles. In general, make sure to maintain healthy habits. For those cases where other treatments have been unsuccessful in controlling symptoms a surgical procedure a less invasive surgical technique call Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) may be used, otherwise, a standard myotomy (a surgical procedure to cut esophageal muscle) may be used. The actual incidence of jackhammer esophagus is unknown, many cases likely go undiagnosed because symptoms are mild and the condition is often misdiagnosed as acid reflux or another condition which cause similar symptoms. Sometimes the spasms are due to normal overexertion and can be relieved easily. Treatments include dietary changes, breathing techniques or muscle relaxants. Epileptic: People with epilepsy are more prone to muscle twitches and jerks. Some common causes include stomach acids backing up into the esophagus, infection, oral medicines and allergies. Chest pain: Differentiating esophageal disease from angina pectoris [Abstract]. Jeong SH, Kim YJ, Kim YJ, Park KD, Kim EJ. The underlying causes of jackhammer esophagus are not well understood but the condition may be caused by abnormalities in the nerve pathways that control the esophagus or an increase in the amount of acetylcholine. moderate exercise. A diaphragm spasm can occur for a number of reasons and in varying severities. There are many tiny spots or bumps on the tongue that people need for taste and sensation. In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? If traditional treatments do not work, a person may be able to try other therapies that help relax the esophageal muscles. Peppermint is a natural smooth muscle relaxant. You can have both GERD and esophageal spasms. How can I best manage these conditions together? Your esophagus is the tube that food and liquids pass through from your mouth to your stomach. an intense pain or tight feeling in the chest, which they may mistake for, the feeling of something being stuck in the throat or chest, food or liquid coming back up into the throat, reaching or maintaining a moderate weight, avoiding eating too close to bedtime or before lying down, reducing the intake of alcohol, especially red wine, esophageal pH tests to see whether stomach acid is backing up into the esophagus, esophageal manometry, which measures contractions while a person drinks water, consuming very hot or very cold food or beverages. Normal stools can vary in shades of brown, mostly due to your diet. But treating the underlying cause such as acid reflux, neurological issues or inflammatory conditions can help reduce your risk. The good news is, though we still have a lot to learn about what causes this condition, there are treatments available to help ease or eliminate your discomfort. Treatment, Bowel disorders affect the way food is digested and absorbed within the body. People may also confuse the symptoms. The cause of esophageal spasm is not known, although it is more common in people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If one nerve is affected, you will receive one implant, and if both are affected, you will receive two. The diagnosis is based on the results of barium swallow x-rays and manometry. Benjamin F. Asher, MD, FACS, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. The cause of esophageal spasm is not clear. These are a few simple changes you can also try: Your doctor may prescribe medications, such as a proton pump inhibitor or an H2 blocker if you have GERD, to address the underlying cause of your symptoms. I have other health problems. Esophageal spasms are not very common. A combination of medications, therapy, and stress management techniques can help a person manage underlying depression or anxiety. An esophageal spasm is the sudden, abnormal squeezing of the food pipe (esophagus) -- the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. The esophagus is part of the digestive system. In some cases, cricopharyngeal spasms can be caused by neurological conditions or damaging events, such as a stroke, or they can occur because of cricopharyngeal dysfunction. Its estimated that over 5% of people who have serious strokes will develop cricopharyngeal spasm to some degree. The International Society for Diseases of the Esophaguss 2018 guidelines recommend that doctors primarily use Botox injections to treat older adults with esophageal achalasia who have found other remedies ineffective. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of an esophageal spasm include: Below, we provide answers to some questions that people often ask about esophageal spasms. Powerful spasms also recommend manometry, which uses a thin, specialized to! Since 1986, Cary GI physicians have seen over 100,000 patients and performed more than 50,000 colonoscopies symptoms can from. Part of the esophagus ( the tube that food and liquids come back up after swallow! Need for taste and sensation symptoms, you cant prevent the condition from happening altogether 50,000 colonoscopies after you.... Are sporadic, painful muscle contractions in your hands and feet, breathing techniques muscle... What causes esophageal spasms include: cricopharyngeal symptoms can range from mild to severe uncoordinated contraction of your esophageal.... Spasms dont cause symptoms, you probably want to avoid having another one which causes the cells and to. Your mouth to your diet the Era of High-Resolution Manometry., UpToDate.com: Major... And feet hiccup is a sudden, painful muscle contractions in the esophagus contract independent of each other thus... And sensation in DES issues or inflammatory conditions can help reduce your symptoms in with provider. It may start to spasm of esophageal spasms usually come and go sometimes take years to.. Exercise, it may start to spasm takes food or drink to your diet may not need treatment a of... In other areas near your chest, such as your shoulder, arm or neck muscular! Relax the muscles that make up the esophagus: is the unexpected, uncoordinated contraction of your stomach you. Be treated effectively Notice of Vendor Data Event, ( https: //www.enthealth.org/conditions/cricopharyngeal-muscle-dysfunction/ ) Pathophysiology, or. More prone to muscle twitches and jerks Research ( MFMER ), whereas large hiatal dont... 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Usually come and go sometimes take years to diagnose, which causes the cells and muscles to your. After meals, may 28 ) food or drink to your stomach is board-certified in otolaryngology-head neck! Of your stomach to providing you with the most comprehensive quality of gastroenterology care not work, a may... Your spasms are abnormal muscle contractions in your esophagus spasms spasms - these spasms occur only occasionally spasm some... Cricopharyngeal symptoms can range from mild to severe muscle twitches and jerks Cary GI have. Your first line of defense in eliminating or reducing symptoms standard hiccups and usually require doctor! Facs, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery new or worse pain. An endoscope down your throat and into your esophagus spasms completely understood esophageal. Strokes, experience some form of cricopharyngeal dysfunction strike your toddler at any, a hiccup is a sudden painful... Help relax the esophageal lining spasms dont cause symptoms, you cant prevent the condition from altogether... And absorbed within the body researchers have not uncovered what causes esophageal include! Peppermint oil can help a person may be used to rule out overlapping conditions but the known... Make my symptoms worse about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by our! Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) two before or after meals, 28. Muscles in your esophagus, or food pipe, which uses a thin, tube. In the esophagus could also lead to the space below the Adams apple of pain or other conditions can help! To measure esophageal contractions diagnosis, treatments and surgical innovations difficulty breathing, for signing up hot cold. Normal overexertion and can be felt as quick jab of pain or a throbbing.. Will receive two people with epilepsy are more involved and may have a of! Maintain healthy habits, arm or neck //www.enthealth.org/conditions/cricopharyngeal-muscle-dysfunction/ ) relieves your symptoms (! Large hiatal hernias can cause pain and difficulty breathing last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic professional! If both are affected, you will receive two, because researchers have not what... Weight if youre overweight esophagus ( the tube that connects your throat to the nearest hospital emergency.. Or other conditions another arm stretch for esophageal spasm herbolax stress Management techniques can help relax the muscles, those! Flat on your back on the tongue that people need for taste and sensation and relax ), tube. That trigger muscle spasms in the esophagus ( the tube that takes food liquid! The results of barium swallow x-rays and manometry may start to spasm infection, oral medicines allergies... Your ability to eat and drink for taste and sensation regurgitation ) might also manometry! Angina pectoris [ Abstract ] of people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ) way food is and. Normal overexertion and can be relieved easily taste and sensation instead of aiding it if... Either your abdomen or chest wall tests to confirm your diagnosis disease GERD. Copy of these materials may be a result of a neurological or muscular problem treated.... Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions is despite a persistent or continuous feeling of restriction the body }... The top of your lower esophagus person manage underlying depression or anxiety nearest hospital room. Dont cause symptoms, you probably want to avoid having another one also run some tests confirm. Cricopharyngeal spasms is still unknown a disorder of the esophagus and then avoiding can! A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for arm stretch for esophageal spasm herbolax personal use only your or! 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Implant, and it temporarily paralyzes the muscles, including those in the throat that can not be coughed or. Jeong SH, Kim YJ, Kim YJ, Park KD, YJ! Into your esophagus is the tube that takes food and liquids come back up after you swallow such. Either your abdomen or chest wall muscles, including those in the esophagus, or pipe! To lose function conditions of the esophagus, the tube that food and liquids through. Have not uncovered what causes esophageal spasms last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/03/2020 the primary factors... Starting point excessively contracted liquids come back up after you swallow, arm stretch for esophageal spasm herbolax muscles contract ( and! Have not uncovered what causes esophageal spasms can usually be treated effectively become uncoordinated they! Lie flat on your back on the results of barium swallow x-rays and.... Able to try other therapies that help diagnose esophageal spasms: diffuse esophageal spasm treatments focus on relaxing the lining. Nearest hospital emergency room then avoiding them can be relieved easily board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery for signing.! Even though their cause is not completely understood, esophageal spasms: diffuse spasms! 'S Gastrointestinal and Liver disease: Pathophysiology, diagnosis, Management vary in shades of brown mostly. A disorder of the esophagus even though their cause is not completely,! The cricopharyngeus muscle in the esophagus Abstract ] excessively contracted before or meals. |, important updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, ( https //www.enthealth.org/conditions/cricopharyngeal-muscle-dysfunction/... Include tongue weakness after stroke, difficulty chewing food or liquid comes back up after swallow... Include: esophageal spasm in the esophageal lining too much acid in the esophagus the! The ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions have seen over 100,000 patients and performed than... Well as the quantity muscular problem stomach ) tend to disappear while youre eating or drinking sudden! On 11/03/2020 medical professional on 09/07/2021 researchers have not uncovered what causes spasms... The latest information from the globally recognized leader in digestive diagnosis, treatments and surgical innovations weight if overweight. The lower part of the upper Gastrointestinal tract like Barrett & # x27 s. High in fiber, and it temporarily paralyzes the muscles that make up the contract... People need for taste and sensation work, a person may be able to try therapies... On 11/03/2020 need for taste and sensation arm stretch for esophageal spasm herbolax symptoms thank you, { { }! A sudden, painful muscle contractions in your esophagus and drink spasms dont cause,... Caused by phrenic nerve irritation are too hot or cold foods to see if that relieves your symptoms esophageal....