The psychophysiology of music-based interventions and the experience of pain

The psychophysiology of music-based interventions and the experience of pain

10 May 2024 | Carolyn A. Arnold, Matthew K. Bagg, Alan R. Harvey
The article explores the psychophysiological effects of music-based interventions on pain perception, highlighting their potential as aids in clinical treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions. Music has a long history of altering human pain experiences, from ancient times to modern indigenous cultures. The subjective experience of pain is complex, influenced by physiological and psychological factors, and can vary significantly between individuals and situations. Music therapy has been shown to reduce pain intensity and unpleasantness in both acute and chronic conditions across various age groups and medical settings. The review examines the neurochemical, physiological, and psychological factors that underpin the impact of music on pain. These factors operate at multiple levels, including the periphery, spinal cord, brainstem, limbic system, and cerebral cortex. The article discusses how these factors, individually or in combination, influence the quality and intensity of pain perception. It also addresses the controversy surrounding the roles of central and peripheral processes in pain experiences. Key neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, such as β-endorphin, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, are highlighted for their potential in modulating pain. The article reviews the evidence for their involvement in music-induced analgesia, particularly focusing on oxytocin, which has been shown to reduce pain sensitivity and promote social behavior. The autonomic nervous system, inflammation, and immune reactivity are also discussed as important factors in the psychophysiological effects of music on pain. The review concludes by emphasizing the need to better understand the mechanisms underlying music's impact on pain perception to develop more effective synergistic approaches when combining music therapy with clinical treatments. The widespread nature of music facilitates its application in both therapeutic and daily life settings, offering ongoing benefits for individuals and society.The article explores the psychophysiological effects of music-based interventions on pain perception, highlighting their potential as aids in clinical treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions. Music has a long history of altering human pain experiences, from ancient times to modern indigenous cultures. The subjective experience of pain is complex, influenced by physiological and psychological factors, and can vary significantly between individuals and situations. Music therapy has been shown to reduce pain intensity and unpleasantness in both acute and chronic conditions across various age groups and medical settings. The review examines the neurochemical, physiological, and psychological factors that underpin the impact of music on pain. These factors operate at multiple levels, including the periphery, spinal cord, brainstem, limbic system, and cerebral cortex. The article discusses how these factors, individually or in combination, influence the quality and intensity of pain perception. It also addresses the controversy surrounding the roles of central and peripheral processes in pain experiences. Key neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, such as β-endorphin, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, are highlighted for their potential in modulating pain. The article reviews the evidence for their involvement in music-induced analgesia, particularly focusing on oxytocin, which has been shown to reduce pain sensitivity and promote social behavior. The autonomic nervous system, inflammation, and immune reactivity are also discussed as important factors in the psychophysiological effects of music on pain. The review concludes by emphasizing the need to better understand the mechanisms underlying music's impact on pain perception to develop more effective synergistic approaches when combining music therapy with clinical treatments. The widespread nature of music facilitates its application in both therapeutic and daily life settings, offering ongoing benefits for individuals and society.
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