It was delightful to see an article on the healing power of music in the main section of the Seattle Times this past Sunday, Scientists are all ears about using music to relieve pain (Christina Larson, AP). Turns out the evidence has been there a long time, with Greek philosopher Pythagoras stating that “music exerted a positive influence on both the body and the soul” (NIH, Feb.2024). And, in 1914, a surgeon noticed the presence of music was helping patients in the recovery ward, so he moved a record player into the operating room itself. This resulted in more tolerable procedures and reduced anxiety prior to surgery (The Lancet, Dec.2010).
The complex confluence of factors producing how much pain a given person perceives — involving the actual sensation multiplied by our thoughts and feelings regarding it — is not well understood. What we do know, however, is that “music-induced analgesia,” or music’s capacity to dull pain and anxiety by drawing our attention, is real and effective. Apparently, “almost all of the brain becomes active” when we listen attentively to music, thereby changing our perception of pain.
Turns out it’s our favorite rhythms, too, that are most effective, with the best results occurring when patients were able to choose the music they heard. Stated one researcher, “The more people listened to a favorite genre, the more they could endure pain.” It just so happens I’ve a dentist appointment this morning, so will take my tunes and report back.
See you on the dance floor. —Sean Donovan