Music as medicine? tunes may soothe pain during back procedures

NCT ID NCT04924244

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether playing music of a patient's choice during lumbar interventional procedures (like epidural steroid injections) could reduce pain and anxiety in people with chronic back pain. Thirty adults were randomly assigned to hear music or no music during their procedure. Researchers measured anxiety and pain scores before and after, and checked vital signs. The goal was to see if music could make the experience less stressful.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

music therapy

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help patients feel calmer and less pain during back procedures.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study with only 30 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Music might not make a meaningful difference for all patients.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

    Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, United States