Lynne
The pain you describe sounds like what I have experienced. I have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and problems with the motility of my esophagus due to an autoimmune condition called Scleroderma. When my reflux is very bad, I have spasms in my esophagus and the pain is like what you described. Mine starts in the center of my rib area and it builds up to be a terrible crushing pressure...feels like someone is taking my esophagus and ringing it out. I also get pain into my back and a very heavy chest feeling...kind of like a heart attack. I underwent tests for my heart but everything came out okay. My gastroenterologist diagnosed it as spasms of the esophagus. It is quite painful and many people are rushed to the hospital thinking they are having a heart attack. The treatment is to modify your diet to minimize the reflux, raise the head of your bed, and your doctor can prescribe medication to control the reflux. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. Hope you feel better soon.