British scientists have found another great use of music. Researchers said listening to music before, during and after surgery helps reduce patient’s pain. It even eases their anxiety and reduces the need for painkillers.

Writing in the Lancet, researchers from Queen Mary University of London stated that listening to music has also been found effective even when patients were under general anaesthetic. Study researchers have assessed evidence from around 7,000 patients.

The researchers said patients should be given an option to choose the music they life before they go under knife. It shall also be noted that music should not interrupt the process of medical team in operation theatre.

Study’s co-author Dr Catherine Meads from Brunel University thinks that music should be available for people undergoing surgery. Meads said that they have even carried out a meta-analysis of all published randomized trials.

While assessing, the researchers focused music comparison with standard care or non-drug interventions like massage and relaxation affects recovery process. The researchers found that patients felt less anxious after surgery when they listened to music.

Dr. Martin Hirsch of Queen Mary University of London, co-author of the study, said it has been long known that listening to music has a positive impact on patients.

“Music is a non-invasive, safe and cheap intervention that should be available to everyone undergoing surgery. Currently music is not used routinely during surgery to help patients in their post-operative recovery”, affirmed Meads.