Can Music Do More Than Bring Joy, Can It Ease Pain?

Recently, a pinched nerve has affected my ability to enjoy life—I can no longer take walks by the pond, go on long drives to the beach or mountains, or play with the kids in my life.

Lucky for me, I have a terrific pain doctor. And I’ve been investigating the impact of music on my chronic pain after reading I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine by cognitive psychologist, neuroscientist, and musician, Daniel J. Levitin. The book explains what scientific research is learning about our brains, music, and pain.

Professor Levitin discusses his book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb1P0PEz5GA

PBS special on the Science of the Music Instinct: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVA0T2-xw8o

Professor Levitin uses examples of two musicians who are natural healers. One is the brilliant vocalist-songwriter Bobby McFerrin. Bobby uses his four-octave range and inspiration from the music of Bach, Charles Ives, and his collaborator, Chick Corea, to bring us joy and healing.

Bobby McFerrin improvises “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1mvfzoHm9g

Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea collaborate in Spain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o2RS8WfcbY

Or virtuoso harpist-violinist Carlos Reyes, who is another musical healer. Carlos has played his soothing music for fundraisers, memorials, tributes, and even hospice residents. He’s also played for survivors of a mass shooting at the 2019 Gilroy Garlic Festival.

Carlos Reyes makes his harp sing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ0p0nJmDiQ

Beyond these amazing musicians, Professor Levitin notes that music therapists are helping sufferers of illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, stuttering, Tourette’s, and more.

The correct music tempo can help someone with Parkinson’s improve their walking gait.

Those suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s respond to music from their youth.

Music has helped many famous musicians deal with illness—like Elvis Presley’s stuttering, Joni Mitchell’s 2015 brain aneurysm, and Bobby McFerrin’s Parkinson’s.

Joni Mitchell sings”I’m Still Standing”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxqFJLm6Hp4

Wondering how and why this works? Turns out that the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN) plays a powerful role. The DMN allows our mind to wander and release the brain’s feel-good hormones. The same DMN that my post on dreams and creativity highlighted! 

Although relieving physical or emotional distress with music sometimes requires the services of a trained music therapist, sometimes we can help ourselves. The science shows this is best done by listening to music we love. I’ve been finding B.B. King’s jazz guitar playing soothes and distracts me. How about you? Do you have music that soothes you when you’re upset or in pain? I’d love to hear from you!

A favorite of mine. B.B. King tells the story about naming his guitar and becoming a musician: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8hOvsg_AiY