Science Says Your Favorite Songs Help With Pain

What if one of the simplest ways to make a painful experience a little easier was already sitting in your music collection?

A surprising new study suggests that listening to music you love may help reduce pain, especially during minor medical procedures.

And here's the interesting part: It doesn't have to be classical music or relaxing spa music. It could be your favorite rock song, country classic, Motown hit, or even a song you danced to 40 years ago!

What Did Researchers Discover?

Researchers studied 204 people who were preparing for MRI scans. During the procedure, patients needed a small tube inserted into a vein, which involves a needle.

The researchers divided participants into four groups.

• One group listened to their favorite music.

• Another listened to Mozart.

• A third listened to relaxing background music.

• The fourth group listened to no music.

The results were interesting.

People who listened to their favorite music reported significantly less pain 30 seconds and two minutes after the needle was inserted compared with those who listened to no music.

The strongest results appeared among people who already had some pain before the procedure.

Why Does Your Favorite Music Make a Difference?

Scientists believe music may help by taking your attention away from discomfort.

It may also help reduce stress and anxiety and activate some of the body's natural pain-relieving processes.

But there's something especially interesting here: The music you personally enjoy may matter more than simply listening to something labeled relaxing.

So don't feel you have to listen to soft piano music or nature sounds!

If Elvis, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Cash, or your favorite Motown artists make you feel good, put them on.

What Does This Mean for People Over 50?

As we get older, doctor appointments, blood tests, injections, and other medical procedures can become more familiar parts of life.

The next time you need a blood draw or a routine medical procedure, consider bringing your headphones and making a playlist of songs you love.

It might make the experience a little more comfortable.

Of course, music isn't a replacement for pain medication or medical treatment. This study only examined short-term discomfort from a minor needle procedure. Researchers still need to determine whether music can help with more serious or long-lasting pain.

The Bottom Line

Your favorite music may do more than bring back wonderful memories.

It might also help you feel a little more comfortable when facing an unpleasant medical procedure.

So here's a question: What song would YOU want playing if you were getting a blood test tomorrow?