MS symptoms: Pain Management through Music

I am going to pursue music therapy for managing the pain I experience as a result of MS, fibromyalgia and arthritis. Berkley College Professor Suzanne Hanser, EdD, MT-BC states, “(This protocol)… is based on a cognitive behavior model of therapy, which posits that new thoughts, feelings and body states may be conditioned to replace dysfunctional patterns. Specifically, a relaxed body and pleasant visual images may replace tension and worry when they are conditioned as a response to familiar calming music. The conditioning process takes place when listening to this music is paired with deep relaxation through repeated practice. Over time, the music alone cues the response…

To direction attention away from pain or anxiety, distracting the listener with comforting music.
To provide a musical stimulus for rhythmic breathing.
To offer a rhythmic structure for systematic release of body tension.
To cue positive visual imagery.
To condition a deep relaxation response.
To change mood.
To focus on positive thoughts and feelings and to celebrate life.”

About the Author

Melissa Cook
Melissa Cook is the author of www.MSsymptoms.me. As a retired high school teacher and school district administrator, she chooses to share her MS story in hopes of benefiting others.