Could it be these? I have had these since 1991 and when I get them I feel like I am dying.AHHHHHHH!!!! THANK YOU!Bornholm Disease! I've been looking for this for YEARS. Way back, the day of my grandparent's 60th anniversary party, I was getting out of bed and went to the balcony door to shut it when every muscle in my chest and back seized up in agonizing pain. I thought someone had shot me in the chest. My husband had to come and help me move. He took me to the ER only to be told I "pulled a muscle". BS!!!! I was flat on my back for a week! But I couldn't come up with an explanation, only that I'd been a little under the weather previously. Then, a couple of years later, I raised an arm in the shower and it happened again. And once again, the Dr. shrugged and offered pain meds. I knew there had to be a reason. I do all kinds of crazy stuff and don't pull muscles like that, not to mention that when it happens, I'm not doing anything even remotely strenuous. Now I know. The question is, because it's a virus, is it something that sticks with you permanently and flares now and again or am I catching the virus repeatedly and am more susceptible somehow to the muscle pain? I wonder if my new Dr. would be willing to discuss and/or research this...
What is esophageal spasm?
Esophageal spasms are irregular, uncoordinated, and sometimes powerful contractions of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Normally, contractions of the esophagus are coordinated, moving the food through the esophagus and into the stomach.
There are two main types of esophageal spasm:
- Diffuse esophageal spasm. This type of spasm is an irregular, uncoordinated squeezing of the muscles of the esophagus. This can prevent food from reaching the stomach, leaving it stuck in the esophagus.
- Nutcracker esophagus. This type of spasm squeezes the esophagus in a coordinated way, the same way food is moved down the esophagus normally. But the squeezing is very strong. These contractions move food through the esophagus but can cause severe pain.
Esophageal spasms are uncommon. Often, symptoms that may suggest an esophageal spasm are the result of another condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or achalasia, a problem with the nervous system in which the muscles of the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) don't work properly. Anxiety or panic attacks can also cause similar symptoms.
What causes esophageal spasm?
The cause of esophageal spasm is unknown. Many doctors believe it results from a disruption of the nerve activity that coordinates the swallowing action of the esophagus. In some people, very hot or very cold foods may trigger an episode.
What are the symptoms?
Most people with this condition have chest pain that may spread outward to the arms, back, neck, or jaw. This pain can feel similar to a heart attack. If you have chest pain, you should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible to rule out or treat cardiac disease.
Other symptoms include difficulty or inability to swallow food or liquid, pain with swallowing, the feeling that food is caught in the center of the chest, and a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn).
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