Are Vocal Injuries caused by bad technique?
The Emotional Impact of Vocal Injury
Professional voice users experience tremendous stress when diagnosed with a vocal injury.
The emotional impact of such a diagnosis includes feelings of sadness, stress about fulfilling obligations, fear of permanent vocal damage, self-doubt, and self-blame. The healing process must address both the physical well-being of the vocal cords and the artist's mental state.
Among these emotions, self-blame tends to be the most destructive.
In a field where vocal coaches emphasize how technique prevents injury, it is common for individuals to question if they caused the injury themselves. Singers are often blamed for having "bad technique" when they sustain injuries.
Understanding the "Vocal Perfect Storm"
However, the relationship between technique and injury deserves closer examination. As someone who regularly diagnoses vocalists and cares for their well-being, I can assess the contributing factors. I have found that most injuries are not caused by a single factor but rather by a combination of circumstances. I refer to this as a "vocal perfect storm."
What causes vocal injury?
The "vocal perfect storm" means that individual elements (like technique) do not cause harm. But injury may occur when combined with other factors (like smoking).
The most common factor in this perfect storm is an illness, such as an upper respiratory infection. This kind of infection affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, sinuses, throat, and vocal cords.
Contributing Factors to the "Vocal Perfect Storm"
When subjected to singing or speaking, inflamed vocal cords are more susceptible to vocal bruising. Once bruising occurs, there is a foundation for injury.
While illness is a significant contributing factor, other elements can further increase the risk of vocal injury.
These factors may include:
coughing,
poor ear monitors that lead to pushing,
exposure to smoke,
reflux from dietary changes or late meals,
allergies and postnasal drip caused by moldy venues or dusty buses,
lack of sleep,
inconsistent vocal coaching,
neglecting warm-ups,
smoking (cigarettes, marijuana, vaping)... the list goes on.
When two or more of these factors are present, the risk of injury during performance increases. Note that "bad technique" is not listed as a contributing factor, but inconsistent vocal coaching is.
The Importance of Vocal Coaching
Vocal coaching plays a crucial role in injury prevention and early detection. Singers rarely sing in a way that directly causes harm (barring extremes). But technique adjustment creates the least strenuous approach, easing vocal cord strain. Technique adjustments can improve endurance, stamina, and vocal health. Even small adjustments can lead to significant changes.
Recognizing and Managing Risk Factors
The vocal cords are a part of the human body and, therefore, are influenced by internal and external environments. They are affected by the air breathed in and impacted by external factors. Multiple variables increase the risk of injury. Understanding these risk factors can help singers overcome the feelings of shame often associated with a diagnosis of injury. Singers must recognize and manage these factors.