Do people with esophageal stricture have a lot of pain?

Typically no: Esophageal stricture is basaically a narrowing of your "food-pipe" that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Depending on the severity of the stricture, most often ones feels that food is getting stuck as he/she swallow. Mild stricture often cause "stuck-sensation" with solid, large pieces of food. As it gets tighter, smaller pieces, even liquid can cause problem. Either way, consult doc!