Fibromyalgia is a notoriously mysterious disease. It is often misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or other conditions because its vast amount of symptoms are applicable to many diseases, thus making it extremely difficult to catch in the early stages.
With that said, those who suffer from the condition affecting the body’s connective tissue often times subject themselves to a slew of fibromyalgia treatments, as the constant pain prompts patients to try just about anything to relieve their agony. According to PsychCentral, music therapy can be added to the list of alternative treatments to check out, thanks to a study performed by researchers in Spain.
At the University of Granada, participants were instructed to listen to CDs at home, which were provided to them via the study. At the two-, four- and eight-week marks, patients were interviewed and assessed for pain intensity, quality of life, sleep and mental disorders, well-being and other factors.
The results revealed that music therapy, in conjunction with guided imagery and other methods of relaxation, eased symptoms of depression and anxiety, while also improving the quality of participants’ sleep.
“Experts believe use of music therapy and guided imagery allows people to have more control over their body, thereby enhancing personal well-being,” states the news source.
Those with fibromyalgia may want to consider trying music therapy as a non-pharmacological way to cope with certain symptoms.
