Music Therapy for Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether listening to jazz music can reduce pain and improve patient satisfaction for those with neck and back pain in the emergency department. Participants will watch a video on either general pain management or mindful music listening, followed by a 15-minute session of their chosen activity or a curated jazz playlist. The researchers aim to determine if this music therapy, called Musical Mindfulness, can lower pain scores and potentially reduce opioid use. The trial seeks participants with neck or back pain who are interested in trying new pain management methods. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity for patients to explore innovative pain management techniques without the constraints of traditional drug trials.
What prior data suggests that music therapy is safe for pain management?
Research has shown that music therapy can safely help manage pain. Studies have found that it reduces pain and anxiety without the risks associated with medications like opioids. For example, one study found that a single music therapy session helped cancer patients experience less pain. Patients reported feeling better after listening to music, with no major side effects.
Another study demonstrated that music therapy can also alleviate stress. Patients who listened to live or recorded music felt less anxious and more relaxed. Again, no significant side effects were reported, indicating that music therapy is well-tolerated.
Overall, these findings suggest that music therapy is a safe method for managing pain. It can reduce the need for opioids and their associated risks, making it a promising option for those seeking non-drug pain management.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the use of music therapy for pain management because it offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to traditional pain relief methods like medications and physical therapies. Unlike standard treatments, which often focus on blocking pain signals or reducing inflammation, mindful music training encourages patients to actively engage their minds, using music as a tool to reduce their perception of pain. This approach could provide a safer option with fewer side effects, and the potential to empower patients by giving them an active role in their own pain management.
What evidence suggests that music therapy is effective for pain management?
Research has shown that music therapy, especially jazz, can help reduce pain and anxiety. One study found that listening to music mindfully lowered pain levels in people with long-term pain. Another study demonstrated that music therapy reduced restlessness and provided short-term pain relief. Early results from a study at Brigham and Women's Hospital suggested that music therapy lowered pain levels in emergency room patients. In this trial, participants in the Mindful Music Training + Music Intervention arm will receive training on listening to music mindfully to reduce pain, followed by a 15-minute jazz music playlist. Overall, these studies suggest that music therapy might be a useful way to manage pain without using opioids.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Dominic A Ugarte, M.D.
Principal Investigator
University of California, Irvine. Department of Emergency Medicine
Sean Young, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of California, Irvine. Department of Emergency Medicine
Ryan Rokerya, Expected BS Dec 2026
Principal Investigator
University of California, Irvine. Department of Emergency Medicine
Tyler Mitchell, Expected BS Jun 2026
Principal Investigator
University of California, Irvine. Department of Emergency Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients in the Emergency Department (ED) experiencing neck or back pain. It's designed to explore non-drug treatments, so it may be suitable for those interested in alternatives to traditional pain medication.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants receive either a mindful music listening video followed by a jazz music playlist or a pain management video followed by an activity of their choice for 15 minutes
Immediate Follow-up
Pain measurements are taken immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes and 1 hour post-intervention
Satisfaction Survey
Participants complete a survey to assess satisfaction with the study and likelihood of recommending or participating again
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Musical Mindfulness
Trial Overview
The study tests a musical intervention involving jazz music as a method of pain relief. Patients will receive video training on musical pain management and then listen to jazz music for 15 minutes, aiming to reduce their self-reported pain scores.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants will be given a video training on listening to music mindfully to reduce pain. Following this, patients will be given a 15-minute jazz music playlist to listen to.
Participants will be given a video demonstrating how to mindfully manage pain, following this will be a 15-minute period of the participant's choice of activity
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Irvine
Lead Sponsor
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
Collaborator
Citations
Mindful Jazz and Preferred Music Interventions Reduce Pain ...
This pilot study explores whether mindfully listening to music, including jazz, can reduce pain-related outcomes.
Musical Mindfulness for Pain in the ED Waiting Room
Opioid medications are commonly used to reduce substantial pain, and music therapy has been found to reduce associated pain and anxiety in ...
Does Music Have a Role in Pain Management?
This systematic review highlights numerous published studies showing how music therapy decreases agitation, provides temporary and in many ...
Music in healthcare: Investigating music preferences for ...
Music is increasingly investigated in healthcare to manage pain, anxiety and stress. Previous studies have demonstrated that listening to (preferred) music ...
A 20-Minute Mindful Jazz Intervention Decreased Chronic ...
Results suggest that mindfully listening to jazz music can reduce pain and anxiety in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. CMP ...
Feasibility and Acceptability of Music Imagery and ...
Music therapy interventions target biopsychosocial outcomes and show promise as nonpharmacological options for pain. Music therapists use active ...
A Live-Music Therapy Protocol for Pain Management in ...
A single session of music-induced relaxation led to a short-term reduction of pain in patients with advanced cancer while improving their symptoms.
Effect of Live Environmental Music Therapy and ...
The aim of this study is to determine the effect of live Environmental Music Therapy and prerecorded music on state anxiety, stress, pain, and well-being ...
A Pilot Study of Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy in an ... - Idun
Research also suggests that attending music therapy sessions may provide motivation for increased treatment retention and after-care follow up ...
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.