I have nutcracker esophageal spasms. I've had them periodically for about 30 years - don't know why I get them and a few times it brought me to my knees - thought I was having a heart attack. A few times I had to go to the E.R. to help stop the spasm. I put a nitroglycerin tablet under my tongue to help to stop the spasm. BUT, I found that if I can stop the spasm as soon as I FEEL it coming on, I drink a glass of very cold or ice water quickly. I found lately that that stops the spasm for me. When I do get a spasm I feel really crummy all day long - and on edge, afraid it will start again. My doctor does not know why I get them or what to do about them except for using the nitroglycerine.