Music as medicine? tunes may soothe pain during back procedures

NCT ID NCT04924244

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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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.

ANXIETY CHRONIC PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, United States

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