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Muscle Tension Dysphagia/Dysphonia - Seeking Natural RemediesPosted By Cindy (Toronto, Canada) on 05/08/2023
Hi, Just wondering if anyone here suffers with MTD and has found any treatments that have worked? I see a speech language pathologist who has given me humming exercises and also does an in-office massage treatment on the throat. This has helped somewhat but I get lazy with the exercises. Thanks for sharing anything that's worked!
MTD is described as...
Muscle Tension Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that is caused by a muscle tension imbalance in the upper body including the larynx, neck, jaw, tongue, and/or upper torso. This imbalance can be caused by irritants (reflux, toxic exposure, allergies, etc), emotional concerns and anxiety, and poor use or overuse of upper body muscles/mechanics.
Other symptoms can include:
Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
Choking or coughing while eating
Hoarse voice (dysphonia)
Feeling that something is stuck in your throat (globus sensation)
Vocal cord dysfunction
Source: https://www.ntxvoice.com/post/muscle-tension-dysphagia-mtdg
Replied by Art (California) on 05/09/2023
If you haven't already tried it, mag oil spray might be worth considering for its muscle relaxing qualities. It might be especially useful applying to your neck area prior to your therapy sessions in order to get the maximum benefit from them. Here is a link to a typical product:
Let me know if you want more information on using it.
Art
Replied by Mama to Many (TN) on 05/11/2023
I have dealt with Dysphagia on and off for a few years. It can be hard to figure it out if you have multiple causes, as I have had.
When muscle tension caused it, I took rhodiola for a while with some success.
At some point, it was found I had a "hot thyroid, " with many nodules and inflammation. After going GF and sugar free and taking Armour Thyroid for a few months, it was completely healed, and the dysphagia was better, too.
I had a recent flare up of my dysphagia and labs and scans were normal. An ENT did a scope and found I had silent reflux.
Meanwhile, I had my kyphoscoliosis treated, Being straighter has helped my voice and dysphagia a lot!! I think that it has relieved muscle tension and imbalances.
I hope you figure out what is going on with you!
~Mama to Many~
