Music Intervention for Chronic Pain

(MusicCPP Trial)

Overseen By Anne Marie Pinard, Md, MA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Laval University

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 4 weeks

36 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether personalized music can reduce pain and anxiety, potentially improving overall well-being for those with chronic pain. Participants will either receive the music intervention (a therapeutic approach using music) or continue their usual routine for comparison. This trial may suit individuals with chronic pain who receive care at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval and can complete online surveys in French. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative approaches to managing chronic pain.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems likely that you can continue them, but it's best to confirm with the trial organizers.

What prior data suggests that this music intervention is safe for individuals with chronic pain?

Research shows that music can safely help people manage long-term pain. Studies have found that listening to music significantly lowers pain levels. For instance, one study showed pain scores dropped from 4.9 to 3.5 on a pain scale after music therapy. Another study discovered that music therapy reduced both pain and anxiety when used alongside regular pain treatments.

Moreover, music therapy has been associated with a reduced need for pain medications, such as opioids, which often have side effects. This suggests music might help manage pain with fewer risks. Overall, music therapy has been well-received, with no major negative effects reported. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional treatments for chronic pain that often rely on medications like opioids or NSAIDs, music intervention offers a non-pharmacological approach. Researchers are excited about this method because it uses personalized music to potentially alleviate pain, tapping into the brain’s emotional and cognitive centers. This approach not only avoids common side effects associated with drugs but also provides a unique, enjoyable experience that could improve overall well-being.

What evidence suggests that this music intervention is effective for chronic pain?

Research has shown that music therapy can help reduce chronic pain. A review of 14 studies found that music not only eases pain but also lowers anxiety and depression. Another study found that longer music therapy sessions, especially those focused on managing pain, significantly reduced pain levels. In emergency situations, combining music with regular painkillers effectively reduced both pain and anxiety. In this trial, participants in the experimental arm will receive a personalized music intervention, while those in the control arm will continue their daily activities without musical intervention. Overall, music-based treatments have demonstrated many benefits for people dealing with chronic pain and related emotional challenges. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Anne Marie Pinard, Md, MA

Principal Investigator

CIRRIS

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 who suffer from chronic pain, are currently being treated at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval's pain clinic, can use email and online questionnaires, have good or corrected hearing, understand French, and can travel to Université Laval.

Inclusion Criteria

I can travel to Université Laval for the trial.

I am receiving treatment for chronic pain at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval.

I can use email and respond to online questionnaires.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a personalized music intervention program for 4 weeks, with in-person sessions for the first 2 weeks and online sessions for the following 2 weeks

4 weeks

2 visits (in-person), 2 sessions (online)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in pain, anxiety, and well-being after the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Music Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests a personalized music intervention program on individuals with chronic pain. It aims to see if this program reduces their composite score of pain and anxiety while improving well-being more than control sessions do.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Musical intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This arm will receive a personalized music intervention.

Group II: No musical intervention Active Control 1 Intervention

This arm will carry out its daily activities and will be assessed using the same measures at the beginning of each session and after a delay comparable to the duration of the intervention administered in the experimental group.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Laval University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

439

Recruited

178,000+

Université de Montréal

Collaborator

Trials

223

Recruited

104,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 12 patients with fibromyalgia and other pain syndromes, active music therapy significantly reduced pain intensity and pain-related disability compared to a control group.

The study suggests that music therapy particularly enhances the emotional and communicative aspects of managing chronic pain, although it did not show changes in depression and anxiety scores.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Active music therapy for chronic pain: a prospective study]. Müller-Busch, HC., Hoffmann, P.[2006]

A systematic review and meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials involving 593 participants found that music intervention has a moderate positive effect on managing cancer-related pain.

The studies reported no adverse events associated with music intervention, suggesting it is a safe complementary approach for pain management in cancer patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of music intervention on patients with cancer-related pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Yangöz, ŞT., Özer, Z.[2020]

A systematic review of 34 pharmacological trials (4091 participants), 25 physical therapy trials (1470 participants), and 63 psychological trials (5025 participants) found that while all treatment types showed some benefit in reducing pain, only physical and psychological therapies significantly improved physical functioning.

The evidence suggests that psychological therapies are the most effective for managing chronic pain in children, but the overall certainty of the findings is low, indicating a need for further research to confirm these results.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of pharmacological, physical, and psychological interventions for the management of chronic pain in children: a WHO systematic review and meta-analysis. Fisher, E., Villanueva, G., Henschke, N., et al.[2023]

A 12-week vocal music therapy (VMT) program showed significant benefits in managing chronic pain, with large treatment effects observed in self-efficacy, depression, and social activity participation among 43 predominantly Black female participants.

Qualitative feedback indicated that VMT improved participants' self-management of pain and enhanced their psychological well-being and social connections, despite challenges in recruitment and a 23% attrition rate.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Vocal Music Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study. Low, MY., Lacson, C., Zhang, F., et al.[2020]

Music-based interventions have been identified as effective and safe complementary treatments for managing chronic pain, addressing not only pain relief but also associated issues like depression and insomnia.

The analgesic effects of music are thought to work through modulation of nociception and the mesolimbic dopaminergic system, suggesting a neurobiological basis for its efficacy in pain management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Isn't There Room for Music in Chronic Pain Management? Sihvonen, AJ., Pitkäniemi, A., Särkämö, T., et al.[2022]

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective first-line treatment for chronic pain, supported by numerous randomized controlled trials showing improvements in pain and related issues across various chronic pain syndromes.

Recent innovations in CBT delivery, such as web-based and telephone formats, have expanded its accessibility and effectiveness for diverse populations, including children and older adults, indicating a promising direction for future treatment approaches.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for individuals with chronic pain: efficacy, innovations, and directions for research. Ehde, DM., Dillworth, TM., Turner, JA.[2022]

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was found to reduce pain intensity in 43% of the 35 studies reviewed, indicating its potential effectiveness for individuals with chronic pain.

Both online and in-person delivery methods of CBT showed comparable efficacy, suggesting flexibility in how therapy can be administered to patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Chronic Pain and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: An Integrative Review. Knoerl, R., Lavoie Smith, EM., Weisberg, J.[2022]

Only 49% of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for chronic pain in children identified a primary outcome measure, highlighting a significant gap in standardized reporting practices.

Less than 50% of the studies adhered to recommended guidelines for reporting adverse events, and discussions on recruitment and retention challenges were often inadequate, indicating a need for improved trial design and reporting in pediatric pain research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Design and Reporting Characteristics of Clinical Trials of Select Chronic and Recurrent Pediatric Pain Conditions: An Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trial Translations, Innovations, Opportunities, and Networks Systematic Review. Connolly, MR., Chaudari, JY., Yang, X., et al.[2022]

In a study of 288,912 veterans aged 55 and over, COX-2 inhibitors were more commonly prescribed than non-selective NSAIDs (NS-NSAIDs) for patients with a history of gastrointestinal (GI) events, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke, indicating a preference for potentially safer options in at-risk populations.

Despite the preference for COX-2 inhibitors, 2.5% of patients with a history of GI events were still using NS-NSAIDs, highlighting a gap in adherence to treatment guidelines that recommend avoiding these medications in high-risk individuals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

COX-2 inhibitor and non-selective NSAID use in those at increased risk of NSAID-related adverse events: a retrospective database study. Gadzhanova, S., Ilomäki, J., Roughead, EE.[2021]

A pilot study involving 4 outpatients with chronic pain showed that participating in 10 weekly group singing sessions provided multiple benefits, including physical, psychological, and social improvements.

The findings suggest that group singing can effectively complement traditional pain management strategies, potentially enhancing overall clinical outcomes for individuals living with chronic pain.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group Singing Has Multiple Benefits in the Context of Chronic Pain: An Exploratory Pilot Study. Irons, JY., Kuipers, P., Wan, A., et al.[2021]

A study involving 55 inner-city adults with chronic pain showed that an 8-week vocal music therapy program significantly improved self-efficacy and pain interference, indicating its potential as an effective intervention for chronic pain management.

Qualitative feedback from participants highlighted benefits such as enhanced self-management, motivation, and social engagement, suggesting that vocal music therapy not only addresses pain but also improves overall emotional well-being.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Vocal Music Therapy for Chronic Pain Management in Inner-City African Americans: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study. Bradt, J., Norris, M., Shim, M., et al.[2022]

Music therapy is an effective non-drug approach for managing pain and symptoms in patients with long-term and life-threatening illnesses, helping to reduce pain perception through distraction and mood enhancement.

The article reviews various methods and techniques of music therapy, supported by case studies that illustrate its practical application in pain management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy in pain and symptom management. Magill-Levreault, L.[2022]

In a study involving 87 patients with chronic pain conditions, a music intervention significantly reduced pain levels after 60 days compared to standard treatment alone, demonstrating its efficacy in pain management.

The music intervention also led to a notable decrease in anxiety and depression, as well as reduced use of anxiolytic medications, highlighting its potential as a complementary therapy for chronic pain patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of music intervention in the management of chronic pain: a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Guétin, S., Giniès, P., Siou, DK., et al.[2012]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12042639/

The effect of music therapy for patients with chronic pain Music therapy effectively reduces CP and depression, but has limited effects on anxiety and quality of life.

2. news.uhhospitals.org news.uhhospitals.org/news-releases/articles/2025/09/large-study-finds-certain-music-therapy-interventions-may-be-more-beneficial-for-pain

Large Study Finds Certain Music Therapy Interventions May ... Additionally longer music therapy sessions and those documented with an explicit goal of managing pain were more likely to reduce pain ≥2 units.

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1526590022000153

Isn't There Room for Music in Chronic Pain Management? Garza-Villarreal and colleagues reported a meta-analysis of 14 RCTs showing that music reduces chronic pain in general, as well as anxiety and depression, ...

4. intjem.biomedcentral.com intjem.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12245-025-00878-4

The effect of music therapy on treating patients pain and ... In this study, we found that music therapy, when combined with standard analgesia, effectively reduced pain and anxiety in patients presenting to the ED.

5. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39611215/

The use of music in the treatment of chronic pain: a scoping ... Results showed numerous benefits of music-based interventions on chronic pain and common concomitant difficulties including emotional regulation ...

6. jpsmjournal.com jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(25)00660-8/fulltext

A Live-Music Therapy Protocol for Pain Management in ... Pain significantly decreased from 4.9 (95% CI: 4.3–5.4) to 3.5 (95% CI: 2.9–4.2) (P < 0.0001) following music intervention, regardless of ...