When we think about chronic illness, the management of associated pain is often a major concern. Music is a proven tool for pain management and has been for many years through some pretty interesting research.
In 2020, a systematic review of randomized controlled trials was completed for the Journal of Pain and Symptom management (LaLonde et al., 2020). The study ultimately included 10 different randomized controlled trials with over 1,000 participants to look at the idea of using music to manage pain within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The researchers wanted to show the efficacy of using music in this setting since more studies have been done in acute and chronic care settings, but bottom line, they were looking at managing pain with music in general. As a note, the comparison interventions were just standard care or noise reduction on the unit or in the patient room.
This study is particularly interesting because the researchers identified and selected only studies that looked at using music for reducing pain in self-reporting pain rating scales. This is important because it looks at how the actual patients perceived their own pain with and without the music interventions.
At the end of their study, they found that music was, in fact, effective at reducing pain perception. Music used anywhere from 20-30 minutes was associated with an even larger decrease in pain scores compared to using music for under 20 minutes.
Using music works in chronic pain management by providing sensory stimulation that evokes a response in the patient. The research shows that music can not only reduce the patient’s perception of their pain, but it also works by promoting relaxation. When we’re relaxed we breath at a more regular rate. Breathing at a regular rate allows us to sleep more fully and more easily. All of these factors lessen pain. Music is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. This can boost patient’s moods and help their overall outlook and mindset, which can help reduce pain as well.
In chronic pain management, music can be used as a means of conditioning the patient to relax and release pain and stress. Soothing music is paired with relaxation techniques, and eventually, the patient learns to relax automatically when listening to the music. (Psst, you can read more about this brain process in our first blog post: There’s Something About Music)
Patients using music for chronic pain management have been found to:
- Require less pain medication
- Have significant improvements in their respiration, blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle relaxation
- Enjoy more peace of mind and better quality of life
Pretty amazing, right!?
In terms of “music interventions”, we can use music in many different ways including making music with instruments or voices, listening to music, singing along to songs, writing songs or lyrics, discussing music and lyrics, using music to form images in the mind, meditating with music in the background. The options are endless. Be sure to read the study below if you’re feeling scholarly. More importantly, next time you’re reaching for the Tylenol, try a tune instead.
Research Study:
Richard LaLonde M, Gelinas C, Boiter M, et al. The Effect of Music on Pain in the Adult Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Pain Symptom Management. 2020;59(6):1304-1319,
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