Can music help my arthritis?

One of the best studies to look at the possible use of music to help alleviate arthritis pain was devised in 2003. Researchers at the Florida Atlantic University selected sixty-six patients with osteoarthritis, all of whom were over the age of 65. Half of the patients were randomized to listen to Mozart’s “Andantino” while sitting quietly for 20 minutes daily over a 14-day period. This Mozart piece is a very relaxing concerto consisting of both piano and violin. The other group of patients were randomized to sit quietly in a comfortable chair but were not permitted to listen to music.

Pain questionnaires and a visual analog pain scale were filled out by both groups on days 1, 7, and 14. The group that listened to the music experienced an average 50 percent reduction in pain using the pain questionnaire and a 35 percent reduction of pain using the pain scale. The control group’s pain was unchanged.

Researchers commented on the fact that pain reduction was in large part due to the relaxation that occurred as a result of listening to the music.

Another study done at Case Western Reserve University studied three groups of people suffering from chronic pain. One group listened to relaxing music, one group served as the control group, and a third group was allowed to listen to music of their own choosing. In this study, patients listened to music for an hour a day. The study lasted for one week. Results showed that the two groups who listened to music had a combined 20 percent reduction in pain, a 19 percent reduction in depression, and a 14 percent reduction in disability. The researchers also commented that the listeners of music had an increased sense of empowerment.

Theories proposed by the researchers regarding why music seems to help include relaxation, induction of a sense of empowerment, release of endorphins by the brain, or simply just enjoyment.

These studies do indicate that music can serve as an adjunctive therapy in the management of arthritis related pain. It can complement the other forms of arthritis treatment such as medication, physical and occupational therapy, proper joint care, regular rest and exercise, proper attention to diet, alternative therapies such as supplements, injections, and assistive devices. Music (like hypnosis, acupuncture, biofeedback, and visualization exercises) can play a valuable role in the comprehensive management of arthritis.