From BBC News via the Net-Gold list:
Research has confirmed listening to music can have a significant positive impact on perception of chronic pain.
US researchers tested the effect of music on 60 patients who had endured years of chronic pain.
Those who listened to music reported a cut in pain levels of up to 21%, and in associated depression of up to 25%, compared to those who did not listen.
While I doubt the IRS is going to let us claim iPods as medical equipment for tax deductions any time soon, it’s well worth experimenting to see what music soothes each of us.