Question:
I am a 14 year old singer and my jaw hurts every morning; also my tongue. I can’t open my mouth — I have my nose and throat congested. Is it due to that? I’ve lost my voice and I am performing in a couple of days; can you help me?
Answer:
You will have to see a specialist: an ENT (ear, nose and throat doctor) also sometomes called a laryngologist. He or she might be able to give you a decongestant that won’t dry you too much and they might also prescribe something, maybe steroids, to reduce the swelling (if there is any).
You can steam, gargle, use a netti pot and drink as much water as possible. You can also try sucking on a hard candy that has no menthol (NO cough drops or cold lozenges). Throat Coat Tea and Thayers lozenges from a Health Food Store can be helpful.
As for waking up with pain in the tongue and jaw, you can ask the doctor. You might also try to learn if you grind your teeth or something like that. Ask your dentist the next time you have a check up — they can usually tell.
Rest as much as possible, talk as little as possible and relax. Anxiety can cause all of these issues too.
Good luck with your performance AND, cancel if you must. The greatest of singers need to do that sometimes.