Listening to Music May Ease Pain During Medical Procedures
A study suggests that listening to music, especially personal favorites, can reduce pain during medical procedures. This could be a simple way to make experiences like needle insertions more comfortable.
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Originally reported by Time. Senior Wellness summarises the reporting; we do not publish the original article.
According to Time, a recent study published in Frontiers in Pain Research found that listening to music can lessen the pain of medical procedures like needle insertions. The study included 204 participants undergoing MRI scans, divided into groups listening to either relaxation music, Mozart, their favorite songs, or no music.
The research showed that those who listened to Mozart or their favorite songs experienced notable pain relief. The group who listened to their favorite tunes felt less pain even 30 seconds after the procedure, suggesting personal music choices might have a stronger effect.
Dr. Andrei-Cristinel Dragnea from University Hospital Zürich, the study's lead author, noted that reducing discomfort is a key goal in modern medicine. The study proposes that music could trigger endorphins, which help alleviate pain, and also reduce stress and anxiety.
While the researchers did not pinpoint the exact reason music helps, they aim to explore more classical pieces for potential pain relief benefits. For older adults, considering personal music preferences during medical visits could be a simple, drug-free way to ease minor procedural pain. As always, discussing such approaches with a healthcare provider is recommended.
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