Both temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and tight neck muscles can significantly affect one’s singing voice.

 

Impact of the TMJ on Singing

1. Jaw Movement and Mouth Opening: TMJ disorders can restrict the ability to open the mouth fully, which is crucial for proper vocalization. Limited jaw movement can make it difficult to form clear vowels and achieve the desired vocal tone[1][5][13]. Chiropractors are trained to adjust the TMJ with various techniques thereby reducing restriction and limited jaw movement.
2. Muscle Tension and Pain: TMJ can cause muscle tension around the jaw, neck, and shoulders, leading to pain and discomfort. This tension can interfere with the control and flexibility needed for singing[1][5][13]. Muscle tension and pain are issues that are commonly corrected in chiropractic offices worldwide.
3. Voice Control and Resonance: TMJ disorders can affect the positioning and movement of the larynx, which is essential for voice control and resonance. A tense jaw can prevent the larynx from moving freely, impacting vocal quality and range[5][15].
4. Associated Symptoms: Symptoms like tinnitus, headaches, and neck pain, which are often associated with TMJ, can further complicate singing by causing distractions and discomfort[1][5][13]. At our office in Portland, Maine, we see patients with all of the aforementioned symptoms. Musicians and vocalists choose chiropractic care because it is very low risk, and there are no side effects or recovery times.

 

Impact of Neck Tension on Singing

 

1. Breath Support and Control: Neck tension can indicate poor breath support, which is vital for singing. When neck muscles are overly engaged, they can restrict the proper use of the diaphragm and lower support muscles, leading to inefficient breath control[4][6][12].
2. Vocal Range and Flexibility: Tight neck muscles can limit the flexibility of the vocal folds and reduce the available vocal range, particularly affecting higher notes. This is because the tension constricts the space within the neck, making it harder for the vocal folds to vibrate freely[8][10][12]. Again. The neck is the chiropractors domain. Safe, gentle adjustments that improve biomechanics and neurological communication improve the vocalists neck environment.
3. Posture and Alignment: Proper head and neck alignment are crucial for optimal vocal production. Poor posture, such as a forward head position, can strain the neck muscles and affect the positioning of the larynx, leading to vocal strain and reduced resonance[4][6][14]. Nobody does posture and alignment better than a trusted chiropractor.
4. Muscle Fatigue and Dysphonia: Continuous or underlying tension in the neck muscles can lead to muscle fatigue and conditions like muscle tension dysphonia, where the voice becomes strained due to excessive muscle tightness[6][18].

 

Conclusion

Both TMJ disorders and neck tension can have a profound impact on a singer’s voice by restricting jaw movement, causing muscle tension, and affecting breath support and vocal control. Both TMJ and neck tension and dysfunction are manifestations of disfunction that chiropractors are experts in correcting, without drugs, surgeries and injections. Addressing these issues through proper diagnosis, treatment, and vocal techniques is essential for maintaining vocal health and performance quality.

Dr. Lou Jacobs, chiropractor & Acupuncturist in Portland, Maine has been specializing in the health, performance, injuries and prevention of injuries in musicians for over 22 years. He has worked with more Grammy winners, more musicians of all levels than any other chiropractor in Maine. Dr. Lou sees patients in person at his office in Portland, and consults with musicians and performing artists online. For more information, call (207) 774-6251. 

Citations:
[1] https://www.hiltonheadcosmeticdentistry.com/how-to-keep-tmj-from-undermining-your-singing-career-2/
[2] https://www.singwise.com/articles/throat-jaw-tongue-and-neck-muscle-tension-and-pain-during-singing-causes-and-solutions
[3] https://internationalmusician.org/less-is-best-when-treating-tmj-disorder/
[4] https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/tension-enemy-singer-part-neck-tension-9765/
[5] http://www.vocalliberation.com/articles/does-tmj-affect-singing/
[6] https://danturnellphysio.com/neck-tension-and-singing/
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/singing/comments/2p0v48/singer_at_wits_end_with_tmj/
[8] https://kelownavoicelab.com/blogs/blog-kimsvoice/posts/7137091/trouble-with-neck-tension-when-you-sing
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6899656/
[10] https://www.rebeccareidvocalstudio.com/post/neck-tension-when-singing
[11] https://jorgelinaperez.com/jaw-tension-in-singers-conversation-with-a-physiotherapist/
[12] https://www.ardenkaywinvocalstudio.com/3-exercises-to-reduce-tension-while-singing/
[13] https://nadiasmelser.com/tmj-and-singing-get-help-here-now/
[14] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb74aHkk29M
[15] https://www.csmusic.net/content/articles/the-dr-is-in-your-jaw-and-your-voice/
[16] https://www.ellenrobinson.com/2019/04/23/neck-muscles-and-singing/
[17] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5467364/
[18] https://www.dukehealth.org/treatments/voice-disorders/muscle-tension-dysphonia
[19] https://academic.oup.com/book/9974/chapter-abstract/157347118?redirectedFrom=fulltext
[20] https://www.reddit.com/r/singing/comments/sssrxv/could_a_stiff_neck_affect_my_voice_directly/?rdt=52044