Using music to reduce pain and anxiety in patients with chronic pain during lumbar procedures

Effect of Music on Pain and Anxiety in Chronic Pain Patients Undergoing Lumbar Interventional Procedures

Not applicable Interventional Milton S. Hershey Medical Center · NCT04924244

This study is testing if listening to music during lumbar procedures can help reduce pain and anxiety for people with chronic lower back pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMilton S. Hershey Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT04924244 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of music therapy on pain and anxiety levels in patients undergoing lumbar interventional procedures for chronic lower back pain. It aims to determine if playing music during these procedures can lead to lower patient-reported anxiety and pain scores, as well as more stable vital signs compared to a control group that does not receive music therapy. The study is designed as a pilot to gather preliminary data on this approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for standard lumbar spinal interventional procedures.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot consent for themselves, are non-English speaking, or have specific medical conditions such as taking beta blockers or having hearing impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive method to enhance patient comfort and reduce anxiety and pain during medical procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While there is some existing literature on the use of music therapy in medical settings, this specific approach in lumbar procedures is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age greater than or equal to 18
2. Female or male
3. Patients undergoing standard of care lumbar spinal interventional procedures including: epidural steroid injections, facet injections, medial branch blocks

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who cannot consent for themselves, including cognitively impaired patients.
2. Non-English speaking patients
3. Patients taking beta blocker medication
4. Patients that have a pacer and have a set rate
5. Patients with self-reported hearing problems or with hearing aids

Where this trial is running

Hershey, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic PainAnxiety
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.