The impact of a single music therapy session on pain perception of patients with sickle cell disease

Abstract

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic condition characterized by pain. The neuromatrix theory of pain suggests pain is a multimodal experience, recognizing the importance of interventions like music therapy (MT), which address the physical and emotional pain experience. This study examined the impact of a MT session on 21 hospitalized patients’ self-reported VOC and its overall benefits. Utilizing a convergent mixed methods design, pain scores were collected prior to, during, and after sessions, with a follow-up interview. Significant changes were observed. Patients reported an average 3.03-point difference between their pre-intervention and MT-intervention score (p<0.001). When pre- and post-intervention scores were compared, patients reported an average 1.9-point pain reduction (p<0.001). Five themes emerged: decreased pain, increased insight, openness in verbal engagement, improved mood, and expressive freedom. The ways in which patients engaged suggest the importance of simultaneously addressing the physical, cognitive and emotional pain experience. When patients became agents of their own pain management, it engaged them in a reflexive process that altered their pain perception, improved their mood, and changed their relationship with SCD. MT is beneficial in reducing pain, simultaneously addressing the multidimensional pain experience. Further research is needed to evaluate mechanisms of impact, including addressing medication dosage. Keywords: Music therapy, sickle cell disease, pain management, neuromatrix theory, hematology