Subject: Re: esophageal spasms
From: "Jennifer L. Fretwell"
To: VOCALIST <vocalist>
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

> Cricopharyngeus spasm is fairly common. While the cricopharyngeus is not
> involved in phonation, one often has the vocal muscles affected with spasm
> at the same time. This is probably a psychophysiologic problem, with
> anxiety as the root cause. Traditionally we have treated this with
> antianxiety drugs and/or serotonin type antidepressants often in association
> with relaxation training and speech therapy
>
> John Messmer, MD, Assistant Professor, Family & Community Medicine
> Medical Director, Penn State Geisinger Health Group, Palmyra, PA
>


I am wondering, Dr. Messmer, if my throat pain of the past 18 months could
be a cricopharyngeus spasm. Does this type of spasm usually produce pain
when speaking and swallowing along with quick fatigue of both the singing
and speaking voice?

Jennifer
mezzo-soprano-at-mindspring.com