Music As Medicine: How Melodies Are Easing Pain In Hospitals And Beyond

San Diego, California – A unique approach to pain management is resonating in hospitals nationwide. Nurse Rod Salaysay, of UC San Diego Health, is among a growing number of healthcare professionals incorporating music into patient care. He utilizes instruments like a guitar and ukulele, offering melodies alongside conventional treatments.

In the recovery unit, Salaysay plays songs at patient request, ranging from Spanish folk tunes to classical pieces like Minuet in G Major, and popular movie soundtracks. Patients frequently exhibit positive responses-smiles, nods-and, critically, some experience measurable changes, including lowered heart rates and blood pressure, and even a reduced reliance on pain medication.

The Science Behind sound: exploring Music-Induced Analgesia

For decades, anecdotal evidence has hinted at music’s healing properties. Though, the scientific exploration of how music impacts pain perception – a phenomenon called music-induced analgesia – is a relatively recent growth. Studies published in journals like Pain and Scientific Reports suggest that music is capable of reducing the intensity of pain or improving one’s ability to cope with it.

Researchers emphasize that the most effective musical interventions are patient-selected and actively listened to, rather than simply played in the background. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 20.9% of U.S.adults experienced chronic pain in 2019, highlighting the critical need for innovative, non-pharmacological interventions. CDC Data

How Does music Alter Pain Signals?

“Pain is a remarkably complex sensation,” explains adam Hanley, a Psychologist at Florida state University. “It’s a combination of physical input and our emotional and cognitive interpretation of that input.” This means two individuals experiencing the same injury can perceive drastically different levels of discomfort.

Acute pain, triggered by immediate physical stimuli, sends signals directly to the brain. Chronic pain, however, often involves lasting changes in brain structure, increasing overall sensitivity. Dr. Gilbert Chandler, a specialist in chronic spinal pain, notes that the brain actively interprets and modulates pain signals. Music can disrupt this process by diverting attention from the sensation, but it’s believed to do much more.

“Music is a distractor,absolutely,” says Caroline Palmer,a Psychologist at McGill University,”but it’s also engaging far more complex neurological pathways.” Research suggests music activates almost all areas of the brain, fundamentally changing how pain is experienced. Kate Richards Geller, a Registered Music Therapist in Los Angeles, adds, “That brain activity alters the perception and experience of pain-and the isolation and anxiety associated with it.”

Genre Preferences and Active Engagement

The idea of employing music to alleviate pain dates back to the late 19th century, before the advent of effective anesthetics. Modern research is focused on pinpointing the conditions under which music is most impactful. A study by Erasmus University Rotterdam, involving 548 participants, explored the effects of classical, rock, pop, urban, and electronic music on tolerance to cold temperature as a measure of pain.

While all genres offered some benefit, the study found that listening to personally preferred music was the most meaningful factor. Dr. Emy van der Valk Bouman, a co-author of the study, explains, “The more people listened to a genre they enjoyed, the greater their pain tolerance.” Familiar songs are believed to activate memories and emotions more strongly.

Claire Howlin, director of the Music and Health Psychology Lab at Trinity college Dublin, stresses the importance of patient agency. “Allowing patients to choose their music can give them a sense of control when they feel otherwise powerless.”

Attentive listening appears equally crucial. Preliminary studies suggest that daily, focused listening may significantly reduce chronic pain. “Music activates diverse brain regions,” notes Hanley, “providing a positive emotional lift that distracts from pain.”

Cecily Gardner, a jazz singer, attests to music’s therapeutic power, recounting its role in her own recovery from a serious illness. “Music reduces stress, builds community,” she says, “and transports you to a more peaceful state.”

What kind of music do you turn to when you need to relax or cope with stress? share your thoughts in the comments below!