Causes & Treatments for Pain and Difficulty in Speaking
Causes
Experiencing pain while speaking or singing may be a sign of a number of voice-related illnesses or diseases. Some possible conditions include:
1. Vocal cord inflammation (laryngitis)
Inflammation of the vocal cords, known as laryngitis, can cause pain and hoarseness, leading to difficulty in speaking or singing.
2. Vocal cord nodules or polyps
These are noncancerous growths on the vocal cords, usually caused by vocal strain or misuse. They can lead to hoarseness, voice strain, and even voice loss if left untreated.
3. Vocal cord paralysis
When one or both vocal cords are partially or completely paralyzed, it can cause voice changes, pain, and difficulty in speaking or singing due to impaired vocal cord movement.
4. Muscle tension dysphonia
This condition involves the excessive or incorrect use of the muscles involved in voice production, causing strained voice, hoarseness, and voice difficulties.
5. Trauma or injury
Injury to the throat or vocal cords, such as from surgery, trauma, or vocal abuse, can result in pain and difficulty in speaking or singing.
Treatments
Depending on the underlying reason, there are many approaches to treating pain and speaking difficulties. Here are a few common treatments that might be suggested:
1. Rest and vocal hygiene
Rest is frequently advised in situations of vocal strain or abuse to allow the vocal chords to recuperate. Practises for maintaining good vocal hygiene, such as refraining from screaming, excessive talking, or whispering, can also assist with symptoms.
2. Voice Therapy
Working with a speech-language pathologist who specialises in vocal issues is part of voice treatment. To relieve discomfort and enhance speaking ability, voice therapy seeks to enhance vocal technique, lessen tension, and teach effective voice production.
3. Medication
Anti-inflammatory medicines, corticosteroids, or antibiotics (if an infection is present) may be recommended in cases of vocal cord inflammation or associated diseases to lessen inflammation, relieve discomfort, or treat underlying infections.
4. Surgery
In some circumstances, a surgical procedure may be required. For instance, surgical removal or corrective operations may be advised in the case of vocal chord nodules, polyps, or specific structural abnormalities.
5. Treatment of underlying conditions
If an underlying ailment, such as GERD or vocal cord paralysis, is what is causing the pain and difficulties speaking, that issue will be the main focus of treatment.
A full diagnosis is required to identify the underlying cause of this and to prescribe the appropriate treatment. Learn about our diagnostic and treatment services for voice disorders here.
