Surgery with Music Series Post #10: How does music affect other medication requirements
This is such a simple concept, and yet, very few hospitals or sugery centers implement therapeutic music. There are many, many studies that document that music pre- and post-surgery can decrease the use of anxiety medications before and pain medication afterwards. Studies have been conducted on major hospitals and universities all over the world. As recently as April 1, 2011 I presented a Grand Rounds at Cleveland Clinic Florida that went over the top studies for music before, during and after surgery. To see highlights of this, click HERE.
How does it work? Before surgery, when you put on the headphones, the music enters your brain through the 8th cranial nerve. Within moments, you close your eyes and your heartrate and breathing begin to slow down and become steady. You begin to relax, naturally, and the need for I.V. anxiety medication greatly reduces. After surgery, the headphones are again used as you move into the recovery area and your body stays relaxed as you come out from under the anesthesia.
The recovery room is known for it’s busy-ness and (often) lack of peace and quiet. In today’s crowded hospitals, nurses are trying to take care of many patients at the same time and those without music are often moaning and crying out. Those with the headphones are not only staying relaxed, but the headphones help block out other patients cries and sounds of pain and discomfort.
Some hospitals have tried having CD players at bedside, but that doesn’t work nearly as well as the pre=programmed headphones. A recent patient wrote this to me:
- I kept expecting to be nervous as the date of surgery rolled around but couldn’t seem to summon up any anxiety
- My blood pressure has dropped to normal limits
- I “knew ” I wouldn’t be able to sleep prior to surgery but guess what I slept well
- I was calm and relaxed before surgery
- The dentist and staff tucked me in, made sure I had my music (I had my i POD set to repeat ) and away we went.
- Post -op I was still relaxed – had a sleep and had little pain- I had a bunch of work done – I did take an Advil at bedtime just for “insurance” but really didn’t need it.
- My mouth is healing beautifull
Thank you for the wonderful music.
Blessings, Anne
If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to leave them as comments on this blog and I will get right back to you!