Music Interventions for Chronic Pain

This trial explores how different types of music can help manage chronic pain associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like IBS, Crohn's, and Colitis. Participants will join one of several groups, each experiencing a unique music intervention: traditional mindfulness, mindful jazz, relaxation music, or reggae music. A comparison group will receive pain education. The goal is to find non-addictive, effective ways to reduce pain and lessen reliance on opioids. Candidates should have experienced significant pain from IBS or related conditions for at least three months and not have used prescription opioids recently. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative, non-drug pain management strategies.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you have used prescription opioids in the past 3 months.

Research shows that music can safely help manage chronic pain. Listening to music reduces both sudden and ongoing pain and lessens the emotional stress caused by pain, potentially lowering the need for pain medication.

The Traditional Mindfulness approach, which includes mindfulness meditation, has proven safe and effective for reducing chronic pain. It is well-tolerated and offers a safe choice for those dealing with long-term pain.

Mindful Jazz has also been studied for pain relief. Early findings suggest that listening to jazz music can reduce pain and anxiety, providing a safe way to manage pain.

The Reggae Stereotypes approach uses the calming effects of reggae music. Research supports that music, including reggae, helps people relax and better tolerate pain, making it safe for use in health treatments.

Researchers are excited about these music interventions for chronic pain because they offer an innovative, non-drug approach to pain management. While traditional treatments often rely on medications like opioids or NSAIDs, these interventions use music to potentially reduce pain perception. The "Mindful Jazz" arm explores how unfamiliar music, like jazz, can enhance pain tolerance through mindfulness. The "Traditional Mindfulness" and "Reggae Stereotypes" arms engage participants with music known for inducing calmness, potentially offering a more natural way to manage pain. These treatments aim to provide relief without the side effects associated with medications, making them an appealing option for those seeking alternative therapies.

Studies have shown that music can help reduce pain and related symptoms. Listening to music can lessen both short-term and long-term pain, as well as the emotional distress that accompanies it. In this trial, participants will engage in different music interventions. One group will practice traditional mindfulness, while another will participate in mindful jazz listening, which research suggests significantly lowers pain levels and improves well-being. Another group will explore the effects of reggae music, as research suggests that listening to a favorite type of music can enhance pain tolerance. These findings indicate that music can be a helpful tool for managing chronic pain in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).¹²⁴⁶⁷