Why is my throat sore after singing?

Question

I'm using my diaphragm at least i think i am lol

Answer 1

The mechanics of a sore throat are pretty simple. It's an inflammation of the pharynx, which is the tube that extends from the back of the mouth to the esophagus. The vocal folds are tender, after singing, perhaps swollen and red, and therefore more susceptible to damage.
The vocal folds which are situated in the voice box (larynx), open when we breathe in allowing the air to go to the lungs. They close in a wavy motion when we do the reverse and make any sort of sound. This may be singing, speaking, coughing, clearing the throat, yelling (not recommended!) and so on.

If we do any of these things beyond our capacity, the sore and 'raw' muscles of the vocal folds will be irritated even further. This could lead to damage and affect the quality of the singing voice.

If you sing alot you should drink lots of water, sucking on Jols (preferably citrus flavour) or Zeros (with no menthol or eucalyptus - check label!) will give the voice a lift to get through the day. Keep some on hand.
You should not sing when you have a sore throat. However, providing you aren't bed-ridden or contagious, you don't need to miss lessons or rehearsals-just don't sing, or if possible apply 'marking'.

There are many things involved in the singing process that do not require singing which can be covered in lesson if the voice is sore. At our Studio when this happens, we may cover the theory of music, sight reading, find new repertoire, practice harmony skills, cover microphone technique, or explain technique which you can practice later.

The voice needs time to recover after speaking and singing.


You can do just as much damage speaking as you can singing, so it is important to care for the voice in this way when doing both.


Give your voice a break!
Some say if you've been talking for 2 hours, be silent for 2 hours.
Balance time of talk or singing with time of rest.


As a singer who is singing regularly and doing a lot of it, it is recommended you rest the voice for one day per week.

It is wise not to drink alcohol before or during a performance. Even though the body may be more relaxed, the larynx and brain also become too relaxed.

Answer 2

Start out by exercising your voice and throat. Put your fingers right in between your ribs where your stomach is and start at your lowest note and pushing in lightly, repeatedly, go up higher and higher till you can't go higher. Look up more exercises on the Internet. Then drink lemon water, honey with lemon and tea, etc. Also work through your scales before you break into song. Don't push too hard. You know how if you exercise your body too hard you get sore? Same with your throat. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Dear Singer, try massaging the neck muscles before singing. If you have tension in your neck, the muscles put pressure on your vocal cords. Try sprinkling a little olive oil on your vocal cords before singing. I have also found warm apple juice with honey in it to be soothing to the throat. Before singing, try to make yourself yawn, which also opens the throat.
You may want to see a professional voice teacher to find out what mistakes in technique you are making. Look in the mirror and see if you are straining the muscles in your face when you sing.
A visit to a laryngologist, phoniatrist or speech therapist can also be well worth the investment to find out what is causing your difficulty.

Answer 4

your throat shouldn't be soar. you're not properly supporting it with air from your diaphragm. Breathe from the small of your back. Or. Is it possible you're trying to reach notes out of your range?

Answer 5

Generally, it's because you've dried out your throat singing. Drinking water can help. Some people I know prefer certain throat lozenges, but there's no one recommended brand.

Answer 6

it's probably because you are straining your voice because you are singing out of your range. Try singing songs that are better fitted to your range.

Answer 7

because you sing to much. Try singing less, this should help if it does not try not singing at all. or have someone sing for you.

Answer 8

you probably didn't drink enough water or you might've sang too much. i'm not so sure, sorry.