muscle tension dysphonia
What is Muscle Tension Dysphonia?
Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) occurs when there is excessive muscle tension or stiffness in the neck, jaw, shoulders, throat, and larynx (voice box). Imbalance in the coordination of the muscles of voice and breathing can occur with or without any anatomical abnormality and results in an abnormal voice. Voice treatment is the gold standard treatment for muscle tension dysphonia. There are no other treatments that can restore the muscle balance in the vocal mechanism. A speech-language pathologist is skilled in teaching exercises and training you in techniques that improve the way the muscles of breathing and voicing work together to create a better voice.
What are the symptoms of Muscle tension dysphonia?
Hoarseness
Vocal fatigue
Vocal strain
Pain when speaking
Throat tightness
Voice loss
Decreased voice projection
Sensation of lump in your throat
Loss of pitch range
Reduce vocal flexibility
Unreliable voice
Low, gravely voice
Voice breaks
Airy or breathy voice
Inability to sing
What are some contributing factors of Muscle tension dysphonia?
Poor vocal hygiene
Phonotrauma
Upper respiratory illness
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR)
Allergies
Certain medications
Hormonal imbalance
Prior injury to the back, neck, shoulders, head, hips, and/or pelvis
Trauma
Stress & anxiety
Pelvic floor dysfunction