Music Reduces Pain of Surgery

The choice of music doesn’t matter, and the volume, well, it shouldn’t be so loud that it interferes with the surgeons’ communication, but other than that, it all seems to work toward reducing a surgery patient’s pain and anxiety, as well as the need for post-op painkillers. We know this because researchers at Brunel University in London analyzed 73 studies involving nearly 7,000 patients, looking at the impact of music on postoperative recovery. A Brunel University news release reports that the study found a definite link between music in the operating theatre and a significant reduction in postoperative pain, postoperative anxiety and the need for postoperative pain relief medication. The study involved a wide range of surgical procedures, both with and without anesthesia, and a wide range of music, which, it turns out, made little difference in the outcome. The music worked even for patients who where under anesthesia.