Using music to relieve chronic pain

Effect and Safety of Listening to Music or Audiobooks as a Coadjunvant Treatment for Chronic Pain Patients Under Opioid Treatment: A Single-Center, Open-Label, Parallel Groups, Controlled, Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge · NCT05726266

This study is testing if listening to music can help adults with chronic pain reduce their use of opioids and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital Universitari de Bellvitge Academic / other
Locations1 site (L'Hospitalet De Llobregat, Barcelona)
Trial IDNCT05726266 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of listening to music as a therapeutic intervention for individuals suffering from chronic non-cancer pain. It aims to assess whether music can help reduce the reliance on opioids, which are commonly used for pain management but can lead to significant side effects. Participants will be adults who are currently on opioid treatment and will engage in music listening sessions as part of a multimodal approach to pain relief. The study will evaluate improvements in pain management and overall quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are diagnosed with chronic non-oncological pain and are currently receiving maintenance opioid treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have a history of substance abuse, or are at risk of opioid addiction may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive method to enhance pain relief and reduce opioid consumption in chronic pain patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that music therapy can effectively reduce pain and opioid requirements, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with ≥18 years of age.
* Diagnosed with Chronic Non-Oncological Pain.
* Under regular (maintenance) opioid treatment for at least one month.
* Patients who sign the written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or lactating women.
* History of an organic brain disorder or substance abuse/dependence.
* History of Psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, and/or intellectual disability.
* Patients at risk of opioid addiction.
* Patients that the Pain Clinic physician or psychologist believe will not comply with the study treatment/procedures.

Where this trial is running

L'Hospitalet De Llobregat, Barcelona

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 PainMusicChronic Non-Cancer Pain
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.