Can I use you as an example of learning a new habit?  Let me know how your new habit is going here.

Patients with significant burns suffer from pain as a result of tissue damage, as well as subsequent treatment such as bandage changes, physical therapy and skin graft surgeries.  A recent study looked to see if music helps decrease pain.

Based in South Korea, researchers studied 6 patients who were inpatients at a hospital specializing in burn injuries.  Patients participated in ten 30-minute sessions.  When patients were asked about their pain levels, significant decreases occured in those patients who participated in the music program.

Although a very small study, this research supports music therapy as an adjunctive treatment for pain.  Does music work for you?

Tune in Friday for a music relaxation exercise!

The study is:  The effects of therapeutic music listening on the pain relief for the patients with burn, in Burns 2009, Vol 35, Supplement 1, Page S31.

Grand Rounds is published this week at Dr. Anonymous.