What does an esophagal spasm feel like?

I suspect they may be different for different people but I can tell you about my own experiences. For me, an esophageal spasm just starts as a pain in my chest, usually behind the breastbone. It's sort of sharp, but also achy....I'm not sure how to describe it. It generally gets worse and worse for several minutes then it begins to go away. Feels like a fist in my chest that is squeezing tighter and tighter, if that makes any sense. They last about 20 to 30 minutes for me.

I used to feel like I was going to blackout. I would have a sharp pain in my chest and it would start getting dark around the edges of my vision. I would start feeling like I was falling over. Then it would fade away.

Joy

I used to get sharp pain below the breastbone - just like a heart attack, minus the radiating down the arm, but sometimes radiating up to the jaw. Since I found my food triggers I rarely get them anymore. Also I was put on Toprol XL because they were triggering tachycardia and other arrhythmias. It seems the Toprol works for me to reduce or stop the spasms in the esophagus as well as the heart. Some patients are given nitroglycerine to stop the spasms.
It's more than just reflux but for me at least, it started with reflux.

Some people get backwards spasms going up the esophagus. A barium swallow can show what is happening - if it goes on during the test.

Been reading all these thoughts on esophageal spasms.  I've been diagnosed with this but have a variety of different symptoms.  If anyone has an encouraging word, would surely appreciate it.  Last May 2010 I was awakened with much pain in my shoulder spreading around my neck and in my chest.  Head ache.  My husband took me to the hospital.  I had every heart test they could do.  It was not a heart attack.  My family doctor thought it was esphageal spasms because tums would ease the discomfort.  I had been on Zantac for gerd but it did not stop my acid reflux.  The doctor put me on Nexium.  I was fine for a month, but just had another episode this weekend.  My episodes last for three to four days with almost flu-like symptoms.  Slight temperature, aches and pains all over, headache, and sweats.  I've had nearly 10 episodes since last May and would really like to rid myself of the whole condition without going from one doctor to another, so would appreciate any help from the readers here.  Thanks so much.  >Medora

Oh, that's an idea! I'll get my steno pad out and keep a journal on what I eat and reactions. Thanks, Joy!