Vocal Science: Vocal Cord Disorders That Cause Voice Problems.

Voice or vocal cord problems generally include pain or discomfort when you speak or have difficulty in controlling the pitch, volume and quality of your voice overall.

It may sound a little surprising, but it’s true that a variety of medical conditions are the cause of most voice/vocal cord problems. The most common cause of hoarseness and (generally speaking) vocal difficulties are outlined below.

Some of the more common vocal cord problems include: vocal nodules, vocal polyps, vocal cord paralysis, and laryngitis.

Laryngitis is often defined by a raspy or hoarse voice because of the irritation of the vocal cords. Overuse or misuse of the voice, inhaled irritants, or GERD reflux (the backup of stomach acid into the throat) are some of the big reasons for it.

Vocal nodules are (most of the time) benign or noncancerous growths on the vocal cords, generally caused by repetitive overuse or misuse of the voice. These nodules are a frequent problem for professional singers. The nodules are small and callous-like growths which develop in the midpoint of the vocal folds. These nodules form in pairs on those vocal cord(s) areas that receive the most pressure when they come together and vibrate. These nodules increase your vocal cord problems and make your voice sound hoarse, low in volume/tone and breathy.

Vocal Polyps are small, soft growths that usually occurs only on one side of the vocal cord in a variety of shapes and sizes. Depending upon the nature of the polyp, it can cause a wide range of voice disturbances.

Paralysis of the vocal cords occur when the nerve impulses to your voice box are disrupted. As a common vocal cord problem, this condition can range from very mild to life-threatening. When one or both vocal cords are paralyzed, they can affect your capability to speak or even breathe. A person may also feel discomfort in coughing and swallowing.

Treatment for vocal cord problems:

Vocal cord disorders caused by abuse or misuse of voice are preventable. In addition to this, most vocal cord disorders can be reversed. The treatment for your voice may include the following:

• Resting your voice

• Eliminating the behavior that caused the vocal cord disorder

• A referral to a speech therapist/alternative voice specialist who has specialized training in treating voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorders that affect communication.

• A method of treating growths on the vocal cords known as non-surgical voice repair, combined with the use of specialized natural herbs and homeopathic remedies
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Depending upon the cause of the voice disorder(s), the solidified long-term goal of this form of speech therapy is to help you re-attain the use of your voice; and then to improve that voice in order to attain the speaking or singing voice you have always desired.