Music therapy for pain .. scientists on board or anyone .. any thoughts?

by talesin 59 Replies latest jw friends

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  NomadSoul

  Maybe some Snoop Lion should do the trick.
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  talesin

  tks, james! :D

  mamochan, here is the link ......... http://www.tetrasociety.org/

  :)

  NomadSoul, I have no idea of what the hell you are talking about, but if it has anything to do with SnoopDog and sex

  PS.. I am NOT going to bother to google it; if you are too lazy to put up a link, then screw it ......
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  FlyingHighNow

  I know that playing guitar, for me, would stop anxiety in its tracks. Live music releases endorphins. Actually playing an instrument takes your consciousness and nervous system to a different level of consciousness. I recall that mother would sit down and play very intense music on her piano when she was upset. That would usually calm her down.
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  talesin

  FHN --- thank you for that affirmation! It makes so much sense to me, and man, I really need the help with pain atm.

  Losing my frickin' mind, and I so appreciate your POV ...
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  GromitSK

  I suffer for neuralgia from time to time and have noticed that when I am occupied and concentrating I am less aware of the pain sometimes. It seems to return full strength when I stop. Perhaps there is an element of this with music?
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  DATA-DOG

  I know for a fact that POP-Country make me ill and impairs my judgment, and gives me the urge to buy Old Milwaukee at Walmart, so I believe music affects you. Seriously though, sound is just another wave-form of energy right? Why wouldn't it affect us? I will look for an article that I read once. It was discussing scientists who were studying plant life and song birds. They found that certain flowers opened quicker in response to the frequency of song birds. When do birds usually sing the most? In the morning when there is dew and moisture present. The flowers responded to the birds at the most opportune time to get the most moisture before the heat of the day. They even did experiments without the birds, just recordings and the same thing happened! Pretty cool... I know music affects me, I love my Pink Floyd!! Especially the song " Sheep ". I would think that the more calming the better it would be for pain. I would imagine stress would make any condition worse, sorry you have to deal with that.
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  talesin

  Gromit - good point! Playing my guitar (though I'm not very good, and just a beginner) takes me away, once I get going. Meditation and self-hypnosis are 2 effective tools for dealing with pain, and perhaps music is a way to self-hypnotize... I never thought of it that way.

  Ugh, neuralgia,, I have had that in the past, but as long as I shield my forehead from the wind, no problems. I feel for you.

  DATA-DOG - lol! I love The Floyd, too ... have a prism/triangle patch on my jacket a la Dark Side of the Moon.

  You know, one of my favorite times of the day is 4 a.m. That's when the robin perches on the top of my neighbour's shed and 'sings in' the dawn. I never related that to the calming effect of music, though. As to your point about soothing emotions and that being a big factor in pain management,,, you just proved it! I just came from the store, and sobbed the whole way home (how embarrassing, but the pain in my foot -ack!), and I feel better already because of the messages on this thread, and one on my facebook from a dear friend. As the Silver Surfer said .... love is the Power Cosmic.

  Holy wake-up call, Batman! I am learning so much on this thread, and didn't think I would get but one or two responses...

  thanks, peeps!~

  xo

  tal
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  talesin

  Another note to FHN --- You, of all people, can advise me about music... you are the MUSIC MISTRESS OF ALL TIME!
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  rip van winkle

  Tal,

  I don't know the science behind it, but I know it worked for my mom to relax. It was soothing and comforting to have the Music therapist's visit for both of us. And when in a group setting Music Therapy engages the person's involvement and interaction with instruments, singing and other people.

  However, pain is pain. And there are different tolerance levels for each individual.

  Sometimes you need the drugs. And when you do, you should take them- as prescribed. Just don't abuse them.

  But, I know when I'm listening to music it always brightens my mood.
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  mamochan13

  I didn't want to sidetrack the thread earlier, but I wanted to add a comment about pain meds. There is unfortunately a belief that pain meds should be avoided because you will become addicted. The truth is that when used properly to treat pain, research shows that addiction is rare. Most of the time, though, doctors under-prescribe, so patients are still in pain and find themselves multi-doctoring trying to find pain releif.

  I've suffered chronic pain for many, many years (result of an MVA). Fortunately I found a doctor who specializes in pain management. We worked on my meds and dosage for several years until we found the right balance. I take pain meds regularly, and my pain is under control. My next goal is to gradually reduce the dosage, but I have no intention of ever going back to constant daily pain. I'm only "addicted" in the sense that if I were to stop abruptly I'd suffer withdrawal, but it's no different that taking insulin for diabetes. If you were not given a sufficient dosage, you'd still be suffering the symptoms. Far better to be pain free and gradually reduce dependence on meds than to be in constant pain and self-medicating in a futile effort to make the pain stop.

  The whole notion that it is somehow noble to suffer pain rather than use the very excellent pain management drugs that are available is a bit of a throwback. My mom refused any pain meds for cancer until the last few days because of that misguided idea. When she finally accepted pain drugs it was a relief to everyone - especially my mom.