This is the English translation of my Japanese article for Nikkan San (Nov. 20th, 2022 issue), as a part of my bi-weekly column, “The Way of the Pianist.”
“!!!…What the…!!???”
I started experiencing sharp shooting pain in my right flank and lower back. But it only happened every couple of weeks or so, and would last for only about 5~20 seconds. It happened so infrequently. It was so fleeting. I would remember that it had happened before only when I was attacked by it. I forgot about it as soon as it was gone every time, until recently.
However. A few weeks ago, the pain gradually started to increase its frequency and severity. When it came, I had to shut my eyes tight, and wait for it to pass. If I happened to be outside, I would just grab onto whatever, leaning into it. And it started disrupting my sleep. At times the pain was so sharp that it left me nauseous. It was time to go to the hospital.
All the tests came back clean – I was very healthy otherwise. “It’s probably musculoskeletal” was the doctor’s diagnosis. Come to think of it, I have been experimenting with a new posture at the piano for the last few months, with a lot more strength from my legs and back, in order to relax and utilize my arm weight and momentum. She referred me to a physical therapist.
I would be dealing with this pain for a while longer. And I remembered that I was Dr. Pianist, promoting music as a healing agent. Now was the time, an opportunity really, to have a first hand experience of the power I have been preaching for years through my workshops and lectures.
Fortunately and unfortunately, I could count on the pain coming back regularly. (Can I even do it…?) The first time, I was skeptical. But I shook my head “no” and pushed my voice out – and it was there! I started singing a made-up song… and it did really lighten the pain! What a relief! It reminded me of the number of studies that found significant reduction in pain perception among hospital patients after surgeries. Now, I was really curious, looking forward to the next pain. The second time around, I started dancing to my own improvised song. The ridiculousness of the whole thing made me laugh, making me feel even better! There were other studies on women in labor experiencing significant reduction in their pain and anxiety with music. It is still impossible for me to continue playing the piano during the assault of the pain, but listening to music does ease it considerably for me.
As a researcher on music and wellness, I am a bit embarrassed that I did not resort to music earlier to deal with the pain, but now that I am, there is nothing to fear! I am back to my own energetic, happy self! Yay to music!!
