Research Why does music ease pain? Drexel researchers map the evidence (spiritual sounds) - Printable Version +- Scivillage.com Casual Discussion Science Forum (https://www.scivillage.com) +-- Forum: Culture (https://www.scivillage.com/forum-49.html) +--- Forum: Religions & Spirituality (https://www.scivillage.com/forum-124.html) +--- Thread: Research Why does music ease pain? Drexel researchers map the evidence (spiritual sounds) (/thread-21251.html)

Why does music ease pain? Drexel researchers map the evidence (spiritual sounds) - C C - Sep 3, 2026 https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1142615 INTRO: Many studies have demonstrated that music-based interventions – such as listening to music – can help reduce pain from a variety of conditions like cancer or osteoarthritis, but researchers still do not understand how and why it helps.  A new review study led by Joke Bradt, PhD, a professor in Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, examined biological, psychological and social mechanisms that may explain the pain-reducing effects of music. The study, recently published in PAIN Reports, identified important gaps that future research on music-based interventions for pain relief should address. “In clinical care, music-based interventions may range from music listening initiated by the patient — or recommended by a healthcare provider, like a doctor or a nurse — to music experiences facilitated by a trained music therapist,” said Bradt, who leads the Music4Pain Research Network, a National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health-funded, multi-disciplinary network that helps advance music and pain mechanistic research. “The findings from our study help explain why music can be an effective, low-risk approach for pain management and how we can maximize its potency.” Bradt and the research team found converging evidence for three promising mechanisms that contribute to the effectiveness of music-based interventions: positive emotional valence associated with music sense of control or agency, such as choosing one's own music synchronizing movement with music, such as tapping or drumming along with the music This evidence, Bradt explained, suggests that it is important for people to select their own music that they enjoy – rather than music provided by the healthcare provider – and that they should actively engage by tapping, playing or moving along with it when using music for pain management... (MORE - no ads)