This rare disorder occurs when the muscular ring between the esophagus and stomach does not relax while swallowing food. You may experience heartburn, chest pain or difficulty swallowing food or drink. If left untreated, achalasia may cause pneumonia (particularly in the elderly), weight loss or malnutrition. Novant Health surgeons use minimally invasive procedures such as Heller Myotomy to treat this disorder for your fastest possible recovery.