I know that too much yelling can hurt, and singing is just controlled yelling. Right? I mean, you do have to use muscles to control your voice.
I’ve heard of professionals ruining their voices, and I wonder if singing is painful while you’re doing it (singing, not it).
Peace,
mangeorge
Done properly,it does not hurt at all.Actually it is better for your larynx than speaking,or so my voice teachers always told me.
Well, I’m certainly not a professional, but I’ve certainly sung enough, loudly, that my throat has hurt.
When I sing, other people hurt. And run away. Quickly. <sigh>
I wish I could sing well.
Fenris
I share your pain, Fenris. 
But I say “What the hell”, and sing anyway.
Peace,
mangeorge
I share your pain, Fenris.
But I say “What the hell”, and sing anyway.
Peace,
mangeorge
Singing loudly should never hurt, but that’s only if you’re singing properly, i.e. from the diaphragm and not using your throat (larynx) to project. I have had some training and I still do it wrong a lot of the time.
When I sing, people hurt me.
Healthy – meaning energetic, but not effortful – singing should never hurt. Period. If it does, you are either sick and should shut up until you feel better, or you are wrenching muscles around that you shouldn’t be (usually by trying to sing higher or louder than you have the talent or skill to pull off).
Singing is a physical activity. When done at high levels (opera, for instance) it is downright athletic. So, just like any other physical act, doing enough of it will leave you tired. That’s normal. After singing an operatic performance, or even a big concert, it is normal for me, and for most singers, to take a day off afterwards to let the muscles of the voice rest and recuperate. But that’s done to avoid overstressing the muscles – actual hoarseness or a feeling of strain is not normal, and usually indicates that you’ve already gone too far.
And any sensation of pain or discomfort during the act of singing is a sign that something isn’t right, in the same way that a muscle twinge during a foot race would signal a potential pull or strain.
disclaimer
Voices are highly personal, and any advice about using yours should come from someone qualified who knows you and your singing habits. I stand by my post; just know that a forum like this is only useful for generalities, not personal advice.
I once strained my voice singing. I have since been very, very careful never to do it again. At the time, I made my living with by singing, so it was a Big Bad thing to happen.
It shouldn’t hurt, but it can be exhausting.
[/Mariah Carey impression]