Music Can Help Reduce Chronic Pain

[icnmgrjill]

The rule when considering alternative treatments is the question "Do no harm." In this case, we have a research study which has proven that listening to music can reduce chronic pain suffering without the risk posed by various medications.

A recent study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing examined the effect of music on 60 people with chronic pain. Those who listened to music reported a 21% reduction in pain levels and a 25% decrease in related depression compared to non-listeners.

Music listeners heard music through headphones for one hour a day for a week. Half of the music listeners chose their favorite music and the other half selected from a list of five relaxing tapes. Both groups showed consistent improvements.

Music also helped people feel less disabled by the pain, which was the result of conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

So, if you're struggling with pain, take a moment and fill your day with some music that can lift your spirits and, hopefully, ease your suffering!

Source: Siedliecki Sandra et al. "Effect of music on power, pain, depression and disability." Journal of Advanced Nursing 54.5 (2006):553-63.

[kadi]

Hi Jill,
Was there a difference in the results between the favorite music-listeners and the ones who listened to the "relaxing" tapes?
This is very interesting!

[Trishann]

Thank you Jill, it's a reminder to me, to stop and see the good things of life, and music is one of the good things.

[creatingkarma]

I totally agree with this study! Music can do wonders!

[Babs RN]

I believe that music has the power to strengthten and relax. It is interesting that it is in the Journal of Advanced Nursing--it is just ironic that it is the nurses who did the study on something so holistic, so beneficial, and so basic with such positive outcomes.

Hugs,
Barb :hi:

[icnmgrjill]

Both music groups showed a comparable improvement according to the abstract. I didn't read the whole article though.

Jill

[justice4j]

Hi Everyone,
I've been a pianist all my life, from age 3. I have performed many times in the midst of an IC flare, and bad ones. If I'm in my home playing, it doesn't have much effect. If I perform, within 15 minutes my pain is greatly reduced.

Thought you might find that interesting. Jan

[MerryBerryMoose]

I agree very much with this. When I used to flare very bad I would put on my headphones and listen to my iPod. For some reason it help a lot with the pain. Still does.

[notmybestday]

Oh, I believe this. Music is one of the remaining comforts in my life.