Backstreet Boys Kick Off Las Vegas Residency

The Backstreet Boys recently launched their much-awaited 21-concert residency titled “To the Millennium” in Las Vegas, and fans are buzzing about it.

However, some fans noticed that one member, Brian Littrell, sounded a bit different during the performance.

At 50, Littrell has opened up about a debilitating vocal cord condition that he’s dealt with for years. He shared, “I’m meeting a vocal therapist in California, so you know, it’s coming out. It’s starting to feel a little more natural. But yeah, it’s an ongoing job. It’s always going to be.” It seems this has been a long journey for him.

He has struggled with a condition known as muscle tension dysphagia (MTD) since 2012. In a past interview, he mentioned that the issue started during a tour with the Backstreet Boys. “That’s when symptoms appeared. It’s called vocal tension modulation, where the muscles around my vocal cords strangle me to some extent and block the airflow,” he explained.

Understanding Muscle Tension Dysphagia

Muscle tension modulation is a speech disorder characterized by abnormal muscle activity in the voice box (larynx).

Unlike structural problems like nodules and polyps, MTD doesn’t stem from damaged tissue; rather, it’s caused by excessive tension in the muscles that control the voice. This tension interferes with normal vocal cord vibrations, making it hard to speak or sing comfortably.

There are two primary types of MTD:

• Primary MTD occurs without underlying vocal cord issues.
• Secondary MTD develops in response to other voice problems, such as inflammation or overuse.

Symptoms of Muscle Tension Dysphagia

The signs of MTD can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• A faint, rough, or raspy voice.
• Voice fatigue, especially after long conversations.
• Difficulties in projecting or controlling pitch and volume.
• A tight sensation in the throat while speaking or singing.
• A feeling of lack of air mid-sentence.

Factors and Prevalence

MTD can affect anyone but is most commonly seen in singers and those who use their voices professionally. Factors that can heighten the risk include:

• Vocal overuse or misuse.
• Stress and anxiety contributing to muscle tension.
• Upper respiratory infections.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Poor posture and neck tension.

Interestingly, MTD accounts for about 40% of all impairments reported in voice clinics and is more prevalent among women and individuals between the ages of 40 and 50.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Diagnosing MTD typically involves a voice assessment and physical examination by ear, nose, and throat specialists. They also review the patient’s medical history and vocal habits.

Treatment focuses on relieving muscle tension around the larynx and retraining vocal techniques. Speech therapy is often the main strategy, and specialists usually guide this process.

In some rare cases, botox injections into the laryngeal muscles might be considered to alleviate excessive tension.

With consistent treatment, many individuals with MTD can regain their voice. However, maintenance can be critical, especially for those who rely heavily on their vocal strength.