Listening to patients’ preferred music can reduce pain and stress during medical procedures, according to new research conducted by scientists at University Hospital Zurich. The study examined the effects of different musical interventions on pain experienced by patients undergoing intravenous cannulation before MRI scans.
The investigation involved 204 patients scheduled for non-emergency MRI scans of the brain, spine, or head and neck. These procedures required insertion of a cannula to administer a contrast agent, a process that can cause discomfort. Participants were divided into four groups: one control group that received no music, and three others that listened to either their favourite music, relaxation music, or a selected movement from Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos.
Results showed that patients who listened to their favourite music reported the greatest reduction in pain both 30 seconds and two minutes after cannula insertion. Among patients who already experienced pain prior to the procedure, favourite music also decreased pain at the moment of needle insertion, while Mozart’s music appeared to provide pain relief two minutes after the puncture. However, Mozart’s calming effect was limited to the subgroup of patients with pre-existing pain.
In contrast, those who listened to relaxation music or no music did not experience significant changes in pain or stress levels. The findings suggest that personal preference in music plays a crucial role in its effectiveness for pain relief during minor medical interventions.
Dr Andrei-Cristinel Dragnea, lead author of the study, remarked on the variability of pain perception among individuals undergoing needle punctures, emphasizing the potential value of personalized musical choices as a non-pharmacological tool to alleviate discomfort.
The study’s senior author, Dr Meritxell Garcia Alzamora, noted that only favourite music and Mozart demonstrated measurable benefits. She recommended that hospitals consider incorporating music listening into clinical practice, particularly for patients who are anxious or claustrophobic during radiological procedures.
The research was published in the journal Frontiers in Pain Research and adds to the growing body of evidence on the utility of music as a complementary therapy in healthcare settings. While the study underscores the importance of individual music preference, it also highlights that not all music genres produce the same analgesic effects, pointing to a need for tailored approaches in clinical environments.