Finally! Some great news to share in regard to Nutcracker Spasms. Simple inexpensive remedy.

[Blurry62]

I was diagnosed with gca January 2018 and have therefore been on prednisone, aspirin, and various other meds that tend to irritate my esophagus for awhile now. Occasionally, I experience painful nutcracker spasms, When the esophagus spasms it feels exactly like a heart attack. It is scary and incredibly painful. Pain radiates through the throat,, chest, jaw, and into the shoulder.

After a year and three quarters of suffering with these wretched spasms, I've discovered that sucking on a good quality peppermint -candy consistently-stops mine -immediately! It's ridiculously easy!

I'd read that peppermint tea caused the smooth muscle in the esophagus to relax. The tea took far too long to act. In desperation one evening I tried a piece of peppermint stick, and as they say, the rest is history.

Please let me know if it works for you and do share anything else you've found that helps.

[Toes55]

Thanks, I will try that! Some reservation though as peppermint can be a trigger for GERD. However, to use infrequently as a form of “medicine” for esophageal spasm sounds good. Ps my spasms onset just as I start to eat, and usually dinner, never breakfast. Not everyday, of course. Is this pattern familiar to anybody’s?

[Blurry62 in reply to Toes55]

I know some don't tolerate the peppermint but interestingly, even though I have gerd, it doesn't give me any trouble. And --Just swallowing the daily dose of prednisone and amitriptyline ( I cut these ) can initiate a spasm. That's the only pattern I've noticed. I've been keeping the peppermint stick close at hand. If I were experiencing what you are, I'd enjoy a peppermint for several minutes before anything starts happening in my throat.

It may not work for you but in this mess we are ALL in trying to manage and regain health-- I just wanted to throw out a possible blessing for someone else.

[SheffieldJane]

Thanks for the tip. The early ones are the worst when you don’t know what it is and I guess you tense up. I get rectal spasms as well and they are agonising. Oddly Paracetamol works in about 20 mins. I think this is Pred related too.

[powerwalk]

Is that what that pain is!? I've had that a few times, like you're heart is going to burst through your head! Very scary. I've found if I make myself belch as much as I can it helps calm it down, would fit in with your peppermint alright!

[Blurry62 in reply to powerwalk]

Belching? That's ready,too! I'll try that!

(With peppermint in my hand..lol)

I know,I know! They hurt! Yikes!

[jinasc]

You could also try this to stop it before it starts:

One lemon (unwaxed) microwave for 1 minute - triples the juice - divide by three - add water and take before meals.

[Blurry62]

I'll try that,too! Thanks jinasc