@lez when you think about swallowing, break it down into 3 parts- first part is food type. The mantra I use is this: if it does not soften or dissolve in water- Don’t eat it. Most meat swells in water so eliminate white meat chicken and steaks. Ground meat seems ok, as well we fish. Second part- process: eat small meals and drink plenty of water. You want to force food down. This is why food type is extremely important. Small meals and slow drinking water. Last is prescriptions. I take pantoprzole 40 mg every day. When my esophagus is spasming I take Tessalon pearls. One will stop the spasm almost instantly.
Remember that Covid attacked the soft tissues in the throat and mouth which rendered some people with spasming or paralyzed esophagus. That means you are left with a pipe that fills up with food and liquid. After enough weight is in the tube/esophagus the spincter will open and food will go into intestines. Some people have problems with it closing but I do not. If it doesn’t close you end up with acid reflux. I guess I would add a fourth part- position. Always eat sitting up and walk around or stand when it seems hard to swallow. Body movement does help. Slow movers like swaying also help. I didn’t not choose surgery as an Anwser. I focus on my 4 parts- food types, process, prescription and movement. Hope this helps.