On the other hand, there's not much of a downside to using music to supplement other treatment.
"It's cheaper than medicine. It's good for the body," said Joke Bradt, an associate professor in Drexel's Department of Creative Arts Therapies.
Bradt, whose first name is pronounced Yohka, was lead author of the review and, as a certified music therapist, has seen the benefits of various interventions with chronic pain patients. Singing and vocal improvisations, for example, help them reconnect with their bodies, she says - literally, by feeling the vibrations of high-frequency vowel sounds ("eeee") in the head and upper body, and lower frequencies ("oooo") in the lower areas.
She suggests that interested patients seek out a board-certified music therapist (www.musictherapy.org).
There are also things you can do on your own, by listening "purposefully."
"Say, 'I am going to listen to this piece of music with great intent.' Use the music to refocus. As a way to calm down," Bradt said. "But also to know that listening to the beauty of music can really help you get some hope again and feel comforted and feel validated." Music that can evoke imagery, as of a place you enjoy going, can help.
What kind of music?
"If it's rap music that they like, then they should be listening to rap," Bradt said. "There's a misconception that it needs to be classical music." - Don Sapatkin
