The Use of Music by Adolescents and Young Adults with Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

Pain is common and often severe in people with sickle cell disease (SCD), occurring as acute intermittent pain episodes called vaso-occlusive episodes (VOEs), as well as chronic pain conditions including bone infarctions, avascular necrosis of joints, and neuropathic pain. Analgesics such as opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), and anticonvulsants for neuropathic pain, although often necessary to manage these types of pain, are associated with side effects. Nonpharmacologic interventions such as to listening to music and music therapy may reduce pain. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the use of music by adolescents and young adults with SCD was helpful, and if so, the types of music that helped, and how music helped them. A convenience sample of nine English-speaking inpatients ages 13 to 21 years, with SCD and at least two prior hospitalizations for VOE, took part in interviews with music therapists. Participants were asked open-ended questions about both pain and music. Participants identified that music was helpful for pain relief as well as for mood regulation, focusing attention during cognitive tasks such as homework, distraction, relaxation, and feeling understood or connected with others. Despite this, while hospitalized, participants reported that they did not tend to use music to help with pain. These findings support the use of both music medicine and music therapy as interventions for pain and distress in adolescents and young adults with SCD.

Effects of Music Therapy on Quality of Life in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease (MUSIQOLS): A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study

“…Participants in that study described music listening as being helpful for pain relief, mood regulation, and relaxation. 55 Participants' reports of increased relaxation, improved mood, and improved pain perception were also reminiscent of themes reported in our previous study of a single electronic music improvisation session in adults with SCD experiencing a pain crisis. 20 Taken together, qualitative data from these studies support the use of music therapy as a beneficial self-care strategy for adults with SCD.…”

Sickle Cell Disease Care Planning for School Nurses

“…Distraction from pain through participation in music and virtual reality are also helpful to decreasing pain (Diaz-Hennessy & O'Shea, 2019;Rodgers-Melnick et al, 2018). In fact, researchers have determined that listening to music carries benefits beyond distraction from pain such as regulating mood, focusing attention on studies, relaxing, and connecting with others (Solodiuk et al, 2020). In a study of children admitted to hospitals for painful vaso-occlusive crises, additional interventions such as participation in biofeedback programs and consultation with a social worker to address mental health and family stressors was helpful in avoiding future pain-related hospital readmissions (Balsamo et al, 2019).…”