Voice disorders rarely make national headlines, so if you suffer from one, you might feel like you’re all alone. But actually, data show voice disorders are surprisingly common, affecting as many as 20% of people in one survey.
What’s more, today’s treatment options can help people overcome voice disorders and improve their ability to communicate. For people with spasmodic dysphonia and other conditions that affect the way your vocal cords move, Botox® injections provide a long-term solution.
With locations in Salt Lake City, Murray, Draper, Tooele, and West Jordan, Utah, ENT Specialists is a top provider of state-of-the-art treatments for voice disorders. In this post, learn more about spasmodic dysphonia and how Botox therapy could help.
The act of speaking is complex, involving nerves and muscles that control how your vocal cords work. When you speak, air rushes past your vocal cords, folds of tissue located inside your voice box (larynx). Nerves and muscles cause the cords to contract, resulting in vibrations that in turn create the sounds we hear.
Spasmodic dysphonia is a vocal condition that happens when the muscles that control your vocal cords don’t function the way they’re supposed to. Over time, frequent muscle contractions or spasms weaken the vocal cord muscles, causing your voice to sound hoarse, shaky, strained, or choppy.
People with spasmodic dysphonia frequently find speaking to be a chore, and they may develop breathing issues, as well. This type of vocal disorder usually begins in middle age, and it does not resolve on its own — but Botox treatment can help.
While most of us think of Botox in terms of wrinkle treatment, it’s been used to treat voice disorders for more than a decade. Botox is a neuromuscular agent, which means it acts on the nerves that control specific muscles, including the nerves that control your voice.
During treatment, your doctor injects a small amount of Botox into the muscles around the larynx, blocking nerve signals that cause spasms. Once the injection goes to work, Botox makes speaking easier and less fatiguing, while also helping your voice sound smoother and more natural.
The effects of Botox typically last for about 3-4 months, after which your treatment can be repeated. Our team tailors your injection schedule and the Botox dose to your unique needs for optimal results.
While Botox is primarily used to treat spasmodic dysphonia, it may be used in other vocal problems involving the muscles that control your voice and your larynx. Our team will determine if Botox is a potential option for you based on your evaluation and diagnosis.
Voice disorders can cause a significant amount of frustration, along with a reduced quality of life. To find out more about Botox and other treatments we offer, book an appointment online or over the phone with the team at ENT Specialists today.
