Music Therapy for Chronic Lower Back Pain

Overseen By Kevin Gertz

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Washington

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Psychiatric condition, Hearing disability, CNS damage, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 1 session

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how music can help people with chronic lower back pain. Researchers are testing different music-based treatments to assess their effects on pain levels and overall well-being. Participants will either experience live music therapy, listen to recorded music, or have a session with spoken text. This trial suits those who regularly experience moderate to severe chronic back pain. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative treatments for pain management.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

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 is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators.

What prior data suggests that music therapy is safe for individuals with chronic lower back pain?

Research shows that music therapy is generally safe and can positively affect pain and mood. Specifically, studies have shown that music therapy can reduce chronic pain and depression, though it may not significantly impact anxiety or overall quality of life. Many studies also report a significant drop in pain levels after music therapy sessions.

Regarding music medicine, research indicates it is safe and well-tolerated. In clinical settings, listening to music has been shown to help manage pain and anxiety. For example, one study found that simply listening to music can lower pain and anxiety levels more effectively than just blocking out noise.

Both music therapy and music medicine appear to be safe options for managing chronic pain, with evidence suggesting they can significantly reduce pain levels. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using music therapy for chronic lower back pain because it offers a non-invasive and drug-free alternative for pain management. Unlike standard treatments like pain medications or physical therapy, music therapy involves live sessions with a certified music therapist, which can help engage and relax patients in a unique way. Additionally, music medicine, involving audio sessions, provides a simple and accessible method for potentially reducing pain without the side effects associated with medication. The innovative use of EEG caps during these sessions aims to provide insights into how music affects brain activity related to pain, an angle not explored by traditional treatments.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for chronic lower back pain?

Research has shown that music therapy, one of the treatments in this trial, can significantly alleviate chronic pain, such as lower back pain. One study found that music therapy reduced pain by 30% to 50% and improved mood and overall well-being. Another study found that music therapy can help control pain sensitivity and enhance memory and cognitive skills. For music medicine, another treatment option in this trial, research has demonstrated its ability to lessen pain, discomfort, and anxiety during medical procedures. Both music therapy and music medicine show promising results for managing chronic pain. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Mark Jensen, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

University of Washington

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 who can read and understand English, experiencing moderate to severe chronic low back pain. They must not have significant hearing disabilities, central nervous system damage like epilepsy or traumatic head injury, cognitive impairments that affect study participation, or interfering psychiatric conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with chronic low back pain.

My average pain level in the past week was 4 or higher on a scale of 0-10.

You can read, speak, and understand English.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a hearing disability that makes it hard for me to hear music.

You have a serious mental health condition that may affect your ability to take part in the study.

You have trouble thinking or remembering things that could make it hard for you to take part in the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are randomly assigned to one of three conditions: live music therapy, audio recorded music, or audio of text being read, with EEG assessments conducted before and during the session.

1 session

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants complete a brief questionnaire about the experience and pain immediately after the session and 24 hours later to assess lasting effects.

24 hours

2 assessments (remote)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Control group
• Music Medicine
• Music Medicine +
• Music Therapy

Trial Overview The study aims to explore how music-based treatments can help with chronic lower back pain. Participants will be divided into three groups: one receiving no musical intervention (control), another getting 'Music Medicine', and the third undergoing 'Music Therapy'.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Music Therapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Music Therapy (MT) group will participate in 1 live session of music therapy with a board certified Music therapist while wearing an EEG cap. Afterwards, they will complete a brief questionnaire about the experience and pain. They will also complete a brief questionnaire 24 hours later about lasting effects and pain

Group II: Music Medicine Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Music Medicine (MM) group will participate in 1 audio session of music while wearing an EEG cap. Afterwards, they will complete a brief questionnaire about the experience and pain. They will also complete a brief questionnaire 24 hours later about lasting effects and pain

Group III: Control condition Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

the Control group will participate in 1 session of an audio of text being read to them while wearing an EEG cap. Afterwards, they will complete a brief questionnaire about the experience and pain. They will also complete a brief questionnaire 24 hours later about lasting effects and pain

Group IV: Control group without low back pain Active Control 1 Intervention

This group will participate in 1 session of an audio of the music therapy session while wearing an EEG cap. Afterwards, they will complete a brief questionnaire about the experience and pain. They will also complete a brief questionnaire 24 hours later about the lasting effects and pain

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Washington

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,858

Recruited

2,023,000+

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Collaborator

Trials

886

Recruited

677,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 126 mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units, preferred music playlists were analyzed to understand their impact on managing anxiety through patient-directed music listening interventions.

The findings highlight the importance of music selection in therapeutic interventions, suggesting that involving a board-certified music therapist can enhance the effectiveness of music listening protocols in clinical settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Analysis of Preferred Music of Mechanically Ventilated Intensive Care Unit Patients Enrolled in a Randomized Controlled Trial. Heiderscheit, A., Johnson, K., Chlan, LL.[2023]

Music therapy and music medicine are distinct fields, with music therapy rooted in humanistic traditions and music medicine aiming to integrate music into medical practices, highlighting the need for collaboration between the two for better therapeutic outcomes.

Research indicates that music can positively affect various physiological responses, such as lowering blood pressure and heart rate, and can help alleviate symptoms like pain, anxiety, and depression, though more studies are needed to determine the best types of music for specific clinical situations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[How does music affect the human body?]. Myskja, A., Lindbaek, M.[2008]

A single session of music therapy significantly improved mood (p < 0.001) and reduced pain (p < 0.05) in 40 participants with neurological impairments, with 74% reporting high satisfaction.

Qualitative feedback highlighted the benefits of music therapy, including emotional regulation, pain management, and enhanced social connectedness, suggesting it could be a valuable adjunct to standard rehabilitation practices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of music therapy on mood, pain, and satisfaction in the neurologic inpatient setting. Mercier, LJ., Langelier, DM., Lee, CH., et al.[2023]

Music therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for various conditions, including chronic pain, migraines in children, and chronic tinnitus, supported by moderate to large effect sizes in multiple meta-analyses.

The growing body of evidence suggests that music therapy should be considered as a viable intervention in clinical settings, with future research needed to compare its effectiveness against standard treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Outcome research in music therapy: a step on the long road to an evidence-based treatment. Nickel, AK., Hillecke, T., Argstatter, H., et al.[2011]

A review of 13 studies indicates that using percussion instruments, specifically membranophones like the djembe, positively impacts the physical, psychological, and social health of individuals over 18 in various care settings.

Active music therapy, which involves participants playing and repeating rhythmic patterns, was the most common intervention strategy, highlighting its effectiveness as a therapeutic approach.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Membranophone percussion instruments in music therapy with adult patients in the health context: a scope review. Tamiasso, RSS., Silva, VAD., Turrini, RNT.[2023]

The systematic review process, outlined in five steps, is essential for music therapists to evaluate existing literature and make informed treatment decisions, enhancing the credibility of their practice.

Conducting systematic reviews allows music therapists to effectively manage the growing body of research, ensuring that they can translate findings into evidence-based practices for their clients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The systematic review as a research process in music therapy. Hanson-Abromeit, D., Sena Moore, K.[2023]

A meta-analysis of 183 studies across 11 medical specialties found that music therapy interventions have significantly greater positive effects on outcomes like pain, well-being, mood, and nausea/vomiting compared to music medicine interventions.

The analysis particularly highlighted benefits for patients with cancer, those who are terminally ill, and patients with HIV, indicating that music therapy can be an effective complementary treatment in these populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of music and music therapy on medical patients: a meta-analysis of the research and implications for the future. Dileo, C.[2022]

Music therapy significantly contributed to the rehabilitation of a severely injured service member by improving various functional areas such as range of motion, strength, articulation, and social integration, as reported through clinical notes and patient feedback.

The integration of music therapy with traditional rehabilitation methods was highly valued by the patient and treatment team, enhancing motivation and participation, and helping to prevent social isolation by promoting community engagement through music.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy applied to complex blast injury in interdisciplinary care: a case report. Vaudreuil, R., Avila, L., Bradt, J., et al.[2020]

The article provides a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of music therapy research, highlighting its effectiveness in medical and dental treatments.

It emphasizes the practical application of music therapy techniques in clinical settings, suggesting that music can be integrated into hospital programs to enhance patient care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music research in medical/dental treatment: meta-analysis and clinical applications. Standley, JM.[2019]

Receptive music therapy, applied over 16 weekly sessions to 10 patients, showed a trend towards reduced stress levels and increased personal satisfaction, indicating its potential effectiveness in improving emotional well-being.

Participants also reported healthier lifestyle changes, such as increased intake of fiber-rich foods and decreased consumption of cholesterol-rich foods, suggesting that music therapy can positively influence health behaviors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Application of receptive music therapy in internal medicine and cardiology. Marconato, C., Munhoz, EC., Menim, MM., et al.[2019]

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]

Music therapy is an effective complementary treatment for cancer patients, helping to improve mood, reduce stress, pain, and anxiety, and enhance relaxation during their treatment process.

Integrating music therapy into supportive cancer care can significantly promote overall wellness and improve both physical and emotional well-being, contributing to a better quality of life for patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy in supportive cancer care. Stanczyk, MM.[2022]

Incorporating music therapy as an adjunct intervention for adult surgical step-down patients led to a significant reduction in both pain (from an average of 6.07 to 3.45) and anxiety (from an average of 56.47 to 46.52) after therapy sessions, based on a study of 42 patients over 3 months.

The results indicate that music therapy is not only statistically significant but also clinically meaningful, effectively reducing pain from moderate to mild levels and anxiety from mild to none.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music Therapy for Surgical Patients: Approach for Managing Pain and Anxiety. Bojorquez, GR., Jackson, KE., Andrews, AK.[2021]

Citations

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The effect of music therapy for patients with chronic pain Music therapy significantly reduced CP in the test group compared with that in the control group post-intervention and depression, no evidence ...

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40484651/

Chronic lower back pain effects of music on fluoroscopic ... This study aimed to evaluate the impact of music medicine on pain intensity, unpleasantness, and anxiety during lumbar medial branch blocks (LMBB) performed ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-low-back-pain-9-2022-432af

Music Therapy for Chronic Lower Back Pain Research shows that music therapy can significantly improve outcomes like pain relief, mood, and overall well-being in various medical conditions, suggesting it ...

4. fortunejournals.com fortunejournals.com/articles/effectiveness-of-music-interventions-on-chronic-pain-a-systematic-review.html

Effectiveness of Music Interventions on Chronic Pain This review of 14 studies found that music interventions can significantly reduce chronic pain, particularly using VAS and MPQ tools.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3050613124000093

Effects of music therapy on the pressure pain threshold ... This study shows that music therapy helps regulate pain sensitivity. It also improves participants' memory, executive function, and pleasurable and arousal ...

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Music and low-frequency vibrations for the treatment of ... The combination of music and abdominally administered vibrations was found to be safe and well tolerated by the elderly patients. However, over ...

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Music and low-frequency vibrations for the treatment of ... The combination of music and abdominally administered vibrations was found to be safe and well tolerated by the elderly patients.

8. physiciansweekly.com physiciansweekly.com/post/ed-music-therapy-reduces-patients-back-pain-anxiety

ED Music Therapy Reduces Patients' Back Pain & Anxiety Compared to noise cancellation, a brief session of music listening was associated with lower post-intervention pain scores and decreased anxiety ...