Your vocal folds are inside your larynx, or voice box. When you talk, air moves from your lungs through the vocal folds to your mouth. The vocal folds vibrate to produce sound. Anything like neck tension that makes it harder for the vocal folds to vibrate can cause a voice problem.

The simplest  way to think of Vocal Nodules is like a callous formed on the skin after repeated use. I play acoustic and electric guitar and I get callouses on my finger tips from the irritation of pressing down the strings when I play. My fingers get sore and the body produces callouses to prevent further injury. This is a positive thing. But, in the case of vocal cords, if they are abused by being “slammed” together over a period of time with bad vocal performance techniques, the same thing happens and callouses form. But in this case, a promising musical or speaking career may be in jeopardy .

Vocal fold nodules are growths that form on the vocal folds. They are benign, or not cancerous. When you vocalize with poor technique, your vocal folds may swell. Over time, the swollen spots can get harder, like a callous. These nodules can get larger and stiffer if your vocal abuse continues. Unfortunately, once this happens, even with surgery, your voice ay never be the same.