Mount Sinai School of Medicine conducted a study on the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing pain. The researchers came from Mount Sinai Department of Orthopedics and The Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine.

The participants in the study were 60 patients who had just undergone spine surgery. They were divided into the experimental group and the control group. Each group had 30 members. Aside from post operative care, the experimental group was exposed to music for 30 minutes while the control group was not made to listen to music. . Both groups were given the same postoperative care, according to The Science Times.

After music therapy was given, the researchers measured the pain level of the experimental group and the control group. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure pain.

Results revealed that members of the experimental group experienced reduced pain level while the control group results revealed that their pain level slightly increased. This made the researchers conclude that music therapy helps reduce postoperative pain, according to Science Daily.

Music had been known to make people relax. However, the choice of the type of music to be played was left on the patient. The Louie Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine offers an array of music. Patients can select music to relax and release tension. Those who prefer to be actively involved can join in group singing. Others can play rhythmic music using drums.

In cases where a second surgery had to be performed, music therapy could still be used on the patient after the operation. It is a natural treatment and it can be used without fear of getting an overdose.

Findings of the study would benefit people who had undergone spine surgery. There are around 5 million Americans who suffered from disorders of the spine. They would most likely need spine surgery and music therapy will help reduce the postoperative pain they would experience.

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Topics Music