Movement disorders of the esophagus

Spasm of the esophagus

The most common esophageal motility disorders include esophageal spasm and achalasia. The therapy of naturopathy consists mainly of measures that have an anticonvulsant and calming effect.

contents

• Spasm of the esophagus
• Symptoms of movement disorders of the esophagus
• Conventional measures & Naturopathy
• additional Information

Symptoms of movement disorders of the esophagus

Esophageal dysfunction is characterized by esophageal spasm and achalasia, which differ greatly in their symptoms.

The symptoms of esophageal spasm are very similar to those of a heart attack (Image: 9nong / fotolia.com)

The esophageal spasm

Esophageal spasm (esophageal cramp) is the result of excessive muscle contraction, usually in the mid and lower esophageal sections. The symptoms consist of sudden spasmodic chest pain, sometimes with radiation in the jaw, shoulder and arm, as they occur in a heart attack (angina pectoris). In addition, there are usually dysphagia (dysphagia).

A reliable diagnosis can be made by imaging techniques. X-ray shows irregular corkscrew-like deformations with pseudodiverticients and measurably increased, uncoordinated pressure (manometry).
The cause is unclear, which is why diffuse or ideopathic esophageal spasm is used. Often, older people are affected. In contrast to achalasia, the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (esophageal sphincter) is preserved.

Frequently, those affected already have underlying diseases such as, in particular, diabetes, collagenosis, diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, generalized muscle diseases, amyloidosis and alcohol disease.

achalasia

Achalasia is characterized by contractions in the lower part of the esophagus, which develops slowly as a result of degeneration of the nerve plexus responsible for central digestive processes (Auerbach plexus). Due to the lack of relaxation of the oesophageal sphincter, which actually follows the swallowing reflex, the ingested food can not completely pass through the esophagus. As a result, the upper sections of the esophagus widen over time and the x-ray image shows a typical "champagne glass shape".

The symptoms are swallowing disorders (dysphagia), which are only accompanied by pain at the beginning (odynophagia). In many cases, those affected have to drink their food because the chyme is "stuck". There is reflux of the undigested food into the oral cavity, sometimes also to weight loss. Of the disorder are v.a. Affected middle-aged people. Although achalasia is a rare disease, it is considered a risk factor for the development of esophageal carcinoma. The cause is unknown in most cases, secondary to gastric carcinoma achalasia.

Conventional measures & Naturopathy

In the therapy of esophageal spasm, the primary disease is in the foreground, symptomatic the spasm is v.a. eliminated with nitro preparations and calcium antagonists. In achalasia, moreover, the constriction is repeatedly widened by a balloon catheter, under certain circumstances surgery is also performed.

Alcohol abstinence and conducive eating habits are recommended as general measures: eating without time pressure, sitting and in a quiet environment, where smaller bites should be chewed thoroughly. The last meal should be taken as early as possible. In addition, relaxation techniques can be helpful, such as hypnosis, self-hypnosis, autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation.

A balm tea calms the nervous system and so relieves the symptoms of oesophageal motility disorder. (Image: Maya Kruchancova / fotolia.com)

Naturopathic the movement disorders of the esophagus is also met with vegetative sedative and antispasmodic measures that can reduce the discomfort. Herbal medications, which have a balancing effect on the nervous system, relieve the symptoms. These include, for example

• valerian,
• Hops and
• balm.

Homoeopathic individual remedies are used in the same way as complex remedies which are used as the main means, e.g. Ignatia, Cicuta virosa, Zincum metallicum or Curare included. The arrow poison curare, which is made from poisonous plants of the South American rainforest, acts on the transmission of impulses between the motor nerves and muscles. Since the 1930s Curare has been used for the treatment of spastic contractures and muscle relaxant anesthesia, and later on artificial products with fewer side effects have been preferred. In homeopathic treatment Curare is used today in the naturopathic practice as an injection or in drops.

Manual therapy procedures such as e.g. osteopathy, either reflexively treat the nerve supply of the region on the back or neck (phrenic nerve) or directly on the diaphragm. Here the esophagus has to go through on its way to the stomach and one suspects that it can come here to movement restrictions. Osteopathically trained therapists therefore also look at the affected persons for connections to other complaints such as back pain, neck tension or headaches. (jvs, fp, ok, last updated 26.04.2018)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)

additional Information

Diverticulum of the esophagus (esophageal diverticulum)
Irritable bowel syndrome (irritable bowel syndrome)
Esophagitis (Esophagitis)
Endobrachyösophagus; Barrett's esophagus