Music interferes with expectation-induced pain modulation: a controlled cross-over experimental study
Abstract. Introduction:. Music reduces pain and anxiety in various contexts, but the possible effect on pain anticipatory mechanisms remains unclear. Objectives:. This study examines the effects of a standardized musical intervention (Music Care) on pain perception and on pain modulation induced by...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer
2025-10-01
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| Series: | PAIN Reports |
| Online Access: | http://journals.lww.com/painrpts/fulltext/10.1097/PR9.0000000000001314 |
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| Summary: | Abstract. Introduction:. Music reduces pain and anxiety in various contexts, but the possible effect on pain anticipatory mechanisms remains unclear.
Objectives:. This study examines the effects of a standardized musical intervention (Music Care) on pain perception and on pain modulation induced by expectations of low or high pain.
Methods:. Healthy participants were tested in an experimental study using a crossover design involving the musical intervention counterbalanced with an active auditory control condition (audiobook) and a silent control condition. Pain perception was assessed using contact heat stimulation, and expectations were manipulated using prestimulus anticipatory cues signalling high or low pain.
Results:. Perceived pain intensity, measured using a visual analog scale, was decreased during the music intervention and the audiobook compared to silence (P's < 0.001). Music was more effective than the audiobook control, especially at the higher pain stimulation level (P < 0.001). Anticipatory cues modulated pain and anxiety in the expected direction across all conditions (P's < 0.001). Music and the audiobook produced comparable reduction in (1) expectation-induced (1a) hypoalgesic and (1b) hyperalgesic effects (all P's < 0.005) and in (2) pain anticipatory anxiety (all P's < 0.05). Overall, music was more effective than the active auditory control to reduce pain but both forms of auditory distraction partly blocked the modulatory effects of low and high pain expectations.
Conclusion:. This study highlights the multiplicity of processes contributing to music-induced analgesia and suggests that music may help improve pain management in the context of high pain expectation and anxiety. However, music may also interfere with pain-relieving strategies involving the induction of low pain expectations. |
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| ISSN: | 2471-2531 |