V is for Vocal Cords!

 

This may be a first. I actually had to pull a post due to a complaint (read: my wife made me take it down). Apparently, an image of vocal cords might look like I am practicing a different kind of medicine. I say her head was just in the gutter. So, here we go again. "V" is for Vocal Cords in case you saw another body part in that image last Wednesday. My bad.

Now that we got that out of the way, on to the topic of vocal cords! Often when people begin learning the guitar, their fingers get calluses from the friction with the strings. Just as our fingers can get calluses, so can our vocal cords.

Where does the friction come from?

Our vocal cords are actually the edge of an opening in our throats where air passes through. When we speak, air passes through our vibrating vocal cords to produce sound. If people overuse their vocal cords or use them incorrectly, the friction of the cords meeting together can actually cause small calluses, which are referred to as nodules or nodes. This can cause the voice to sound hoarse and, in some cases, can cause pain.

To prevent nodules from forming, take care of your vocal cords by not straining the voice and giving your voice a break around times you know you’ll be using it. For example, rest your voice on a day that you’ll be performing (singing/presenting). Also, make sure to stay hydrated. Finally, avoid voice overuse (yelling at the Cowboys because they lost…again). But I digress. 

If you think you might have nodules, call 817-261-3000 to make an appointment with me.

 

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Teach & Learn, ThroatErin ShellenbergerThroat, Nodules, Nodes, Vocal Cords, Hoarseness, Voice