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[lynn]

Hi,
As anyone who experiences either of these symptoms knows, they're much misunderstood & underestimated.
I have experienced pain in my larynx for over 18/12; because it's there every day to some degree you don't mention it, or you'd sound like a cracked record, but it is draining.Feeling like there is something prickly in your throat, is a pain, literally especially at night when you're trying to get to sleep. If I overuse my voice itfeels like someone has had a rasp down my larynx & trachea.

Some things which can help:-
-sipping water - never try to clear throat by costant coughing
-steam inhilation, especially before bed,
- chewing gum, to help relax larynx
- trying to speak, in such a way that you feel a buzz in the cetre of your face - eases strain on larynx
-yawning & or what you call snigger - a closed mouth smile - helps adjust angle of larynx ( Latter useful as an emergency measure)

Any other tips gratefully received.

Lynn

[NicciH]

Hi Lynn

I too suffered this discomfort for years. The mind is very protective of your throat...its your main source of life and we naturally want to protect it so when it gets constricted or tight it is exgerated more because you are so aware of it.

All the things you have suggested are great, do all of this EVERYDAY. Its not forever but until you have this problem under control. Also get some good relaxtion CD's and practise as often as you can...it sounds a bit nuts but the mind is a very powerful thing and over time you can tap in to the sub concious part of your brain. It is a very gradual slow process, it took me about 6 months.

Jaw stretches are also great. Push your lower jaw forward and open your mouth WIDE, you look silly but feel how much it stretches your throat. If you can, very gently tip your head up and look at the ceiling while you do this and hold for 30 seconds (until you face hurts!) then keep you mouth open and lower jaw forward in the postion and pretend to bite your right ear.....hold for 30 secs then move to the left. Do this once a few times a day if you can.

I know I have mentioned this a few time but keeping fit and looking after yourself really does help you improve in eveyway, mentally and physically. I hate excercise of every form but I know now you have to look after yourself....no one else can do it for you unfortunately!!!

xx