Music Therapy for Anxiety and Pain After Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study

Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 2021 · DOI: 10.1177/21649561211058697 · Published: October 21, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores if music therapy (MT) can help reduce pain and anxiety in patients undergoing rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries (SCI). MT programs are known to alleviate pain, anxiety, and stress in different healthcare settings. The study involved patients receiving personalized music-assisted relaxation (MAR) sessions, including breathing exercises, guided imagery, and muscle relaxation, accompanied by live guitar music. The effects on pain, anxiety, and relaxation levels were measured. The results showed that patients experienced significant improvements in pain, anxiety, and relaxation after the MT sessions. Rehabilitation staff also noted that MT did not disrupt regular clinical care, suggesting it's a feasible treatment option.

Study Duration

September 2015 through September 2017

Participants

20 patients with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Pilot Study

Key Findings

1
VAS scores for pain significantly improved after both music therapy sessions (P ≤ .02).
2
VAS scores for anxiety also significantly improved after both sessions (P ≤ .02).
3
VAS scores for relaxation significantly improved after both sessions (P ≤ .02 for both).

Research Summary

This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of music-assisted relaxation (MAR), facilitated by a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC), for addressing pain and anxiety in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found that music therapy with live MAR is a feasible treatment for patients with SCI and may be effective for reducing their pain and anxiety. The rehabilitation staff indicated that providing MT in the patient’s room did not interfere with routine clinical care, suggesting it is a viable addition to standard rehabilitation programs.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Music therapy with live music-assisted relaxation can be integrated into rehabilitation programs for patients with spinal cord injuries to help manage pain and anxiety.

Future Research

Larger-scale, single-blind, randomized controlled trials are needed to further determine the efficacy of music therapy for patients with spinal cord injuries and to explore the impact of incorporating patients' music preferences.

Program Development

Hospitals and rehabilitation centers can consider implementing music therapy programs as part of their integrative medicine offerings to improve patient well-being and coping skills.

Study Limitations

1
This pilot study had a small sample size (convenience sample) and had no control arm.
2
Patients in our rehabilitation unit have a very busy schedule, and time constraints allowed only 2 MT sessions.
3
Survey outcomes may have been influenced by various factors unrelated to MT (for example, respondents feeling uncomfortable when providing honest answers or answer options being interpreted differently).

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