Effects of Music Therapy in Chronic Neck Pain

The aim of this project is to investigate the effects of music therapy on pain, cervical position sense, and body balance in individuals with chronic neck pain. Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that can lead to disability. It significantly affects daily life activities and is more prevalent in women compared to men. In individuals with neck pain, functional deficiencies in the neck muscles and impairments in cervical mechanoreceptors can influence body balance. Inflammatory mediators and the negative impact of pain on proprioceptors may lead to deterioration in proprioceptive sensation. A reduction in proprioceptive input from the neck may weaken joint movement control and increase the risk of injury. Currently, neck pain is primarily treated with pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and physiotherapy methods. However, in individuals with chronic neck pain, the continuous use of medication may cause side effects and impose a financial burden. Moreover, especially for working individuals, additional treatment time may be required to restore job performance. Furthermore, individuals with neck pain may not always have access to treatment services. Music has been used since ancient times by various civilisations as an alternative treatment method with no side effects. Music therapy is an inexpensive and safe intervention known to reduce pain and anxiety and improve postural control and body awareness. There is limited research on the effects of music therapy in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders. This study aims to demonstrate the clinically specific effects of music as a simple and cost-effective treatment method, helping individuals with chronic neck pain become more productive in both daily and professional activities. In this study, the effects of music therapy as an alternative treatment method on individuals with chronic neck pain will be examined. Nineteen patients with chronic neck pain will listen to instrumental Turkish Classical Music in the Nihavend mode-which is suggested to have positive effects on mood and pain relief-using a media player and headphones for 60 minutes. Before and after music listening, pain severity, cervical position sense, and static and dynamic balance parameters will be evaluated. It is expected that the results will provide a scientific basis for the broader clinical use of music therapy and contribute significantly to the quality of life of individuals experiencing loss of position sense and balance disorders.