Head, neck and throat tightness

[catmac]

I am 45 years old and for the past 4years, I have struggled with hoarsness.  I was diagnosed with vocal nodules in March of 2004.  After speech therapy and vocal training, I was on the road to recovery, but in the last year I have been bothered with tightness in the back of my head, neck and throat.  I am a singer and my life has be dramatically altered.  I recently had a BRAVO test done to rule our acid reflux. There was very little acid found.  I have made numerous trips to the ENT Specialist who has been down my throat  many times only to say that there is a bit of phlegm in my throat area for which he prescribes NEXIUM.  I stopped taking it because it does not help no. 1 and no. 2 the test proved that Acid Reflux is not the issus.  I have been to physical therapy to lean exercises to do for stress, but this only helps a bit for a brief period of time.  what is this, what doctor can I see now.  Please help.  I am an awesome singer, with a God-given gift to touch the lives of countless people but I am not able to  soar as I have in the past.  thanks for your help.

[jester517]

Did you have a scope check (forget the name) of the vocal cords while making noises?  An ENT or SLP can perform this test.  My daughter has vocal dysphonia (a type of dystonia).  There are two types-abductor and adductor.  She has both.  Dystonia can cause your muscles to "pull"-they contract.  I think if you haven't, see a neurologist.  There are treatments, more suited for adults. like botox injections if you have something like dystonia.

Best of luck.

[PaulMD]

Hi there!

From what you have said, I can say that the tightness can be due to the stressed muscles brought about by your singing (which I'm sure you are excellent at).  Our larynx (voice box) needs a lot of muscles on our neck in order to modulate your voice.  With this being said, I think that you should continue your physical therapy and do the exercises as routinely as possible.  With regards to doctor of choice you can consult with a Rehabilitation Medicine specialist.  Massage and superficial medicaments (like camphor) may also help relieve the tightness.  I hope you'll be able to soar again and touch more lives.  God Bless!