Man in bathrobe experiencing discomfort, touching his shoulder while sitting on couch (Image: Dobrila Vignjevic via Getty Images)
Experiencing discomfort and stiffness? From persistent headaches to back pain, regrettably, for approximately 10 million Britons, pain is a daily struggle.
Research conducted by Combogesic reveals that 84% of the population experiences mild-to-moderate discomfort. While a lengthy, relaxing bath may provide some relief, studies have discovered that 20 minutes of music could also deliver benefits.
GP Dr Janine David said: “A meta-analysis in the journal BMC Psychology, which combined results from nine randomised trials in 787 patients with pain found that just 20 minutes of music can help to relieve pain as well as symptoms of depression associated with ongoing pain. Music therapy was most effective when patients selected their own music, used instruments or earphones, or received treatment from trained music therapists.”
Natural rhythm matching
A separate study revealed that music therapy may prove even more beneficial when its tempo aligns with an individual’s natural rhythm, which was determined by asking participants to tap out Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Pain can significantly affect everyday life, influencing mood, social interactions, motivation and sleep quality.
Many of us experience some sort of pain (Image: urbazon via Getty Images)
“The research about music potentially helping relieve pain, will come as welcome news to the many Brits who struggle on a daily basis,” Dr David remarked. Nevertheless, there are additional methods which can assist those experiencing mild to moderate pain to live more comfortably.
Manage pain through four science-backed methods
Keep moving: Don’t shy away from movement when discomfort strikes as physical activity is proven to lessen the intensity of pain. Research indicates that a single session of exercise can produce short-term hypoalgesia, decreasing pain sensitivity in healthy adults.
Dr David added: “Try swimming, as it’s low impact on joints. Walking is also a nice way to move, without causing too much stress on knees or hips.”
Music could be worth a go (Image: Maskot via Getty Images)
Choose your pain relief carefully: Painkillers can help to alleviate your discomfort, but opt for an opioid-free option and consider dual-action combinations. Dr David explained: “Some research shows that by combining paracetamol and ibuprofen, they may help to provide more effective pain relief than either alone.”
A study in the Journal of Pain Research discovered that the combination delivered faster, meaningful pain relief and reduced maximum pain scores, compared with either ingredient alone, in patients recovering from dental surgery.
Book a massage: Pamper your aching body with a massage. In a meta-analysis of 67 randomised controlled trials, massage therapy was shown to offer modest improvements in pain scores.
“Plus, although parts might hurt, massage is a great way to unwind,” said Dr David.
Break the stress cycle: Stress has the potential to heighten our sensitivity to pain, generating a vicious cycle in which discomfort leads to greater levels of stress.
Dr David said: “Finding ways to relax, whether that’s listening to your favourite music or taking time out for yourself, may help you feel better able to cope with everyday aches and pains.”
