Ever hear that song on the radio that just gets you pumped? You turn it up, sing your heart out, and feel some kind of therapeutic relief?
The fact is, multiple studies show that listening to music can help to reduce pain, anxiety, and depression, and make people feel more in control and less disabled by their conditions. The best part — there are no chemicals, no doctor visits, and no side effects!
One study that researched the effect of music on pain and depression, found that music can reduce chronic pain by 21 percent and depression by 25 percent!
This study comprised 60 people that had been recruited from pain and chiropractic clinics. Participants had various chronic pain conditions for an average of six and a half years.
Forty of the participants were divided up into two music groups (one that listened to music of their own choosing, and the other that had music chosen for them), and the remaining 20 were in a control group who did not listen to music.
Music group participants reported a 12-21 percent decrease in pain, while the no music group reported a 1-2 percent increase in pain.
In addition, individuals in the music group reported feeling 18-25 percent less depressed, and 9-18 percent less disabled by their conditions. The music helped decrease pain but more importantly promoted feelings of empowerment and control.
As if these gifts weren’t enough, another study even proved that listening to music significantly reduced stress levels in coronary disease patients.
One study concluded that listening to music could decrease heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety in heart patients — individuals who were physiologically effected by the stress and anxiety associated with their conditions.
Out of 23 studies that included a total of 1,461 patients, listening to music provided relief of anxiety and stress by lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
Although a significant mood change wasn’t seen in those with depression, a positive mood change was seen in some. Only 2 of the 23 studies used actual music therapists for music listening and treatment.
So how does it work? David Bradshaw, Ph.D., of the Pain Research Center at the University of Utah helped explain, "Engaging your mind with music can help alter your sense of time so you worry less about what's happening in the moment.”
Listening to music not only makes you feel good, but it also takes your mind off of things that may be bothering you, physically or emotionally.
Some of the greatest news is that the music that helps the most is unique to every individual. The music that is most engaging to you personally, is what is going to be most relieving.
So this week, turn up the tunes!
Sources:
Corbett, H. C. (n.d.). Chronic Pain Relief: Music Therapy and Pain Management - Prevention.com. Prevention: Healthy Living Tips, Fitness, Recipes, Diet, Beauty. Retrieved February 5, 2012, from
http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/chronic-pain-relief-mus...
Listening To Music Can Reduce Chronic Pain And Depression By Up To A Quarter. (2006, May 24). Science Daily: News & Articles in Science, Health, Environment & Technology. Retrieved February 5, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/05/060524123803.htm
Listening to music can be effective for reducing pain in high-anxiety persons. (2012, January 5). Science Daily: News & Articles in Science, Health, Environment & Technology. Retrieved February 5, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105161750.htm
Music Reduces Stress In Heart Disease Patients. (2009, April 9). Science Daily: News & Articles in Science, Health, Environment & Technology. Retrieved February 5, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090409104303.htm
Reviewed February 8, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith