Brain Sciences (Sep 2022)

Underlying Music Mechanisms Influencing the Neurology of Pain: An Integrative Model

  • Joanne Loewy

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12101317
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 10
p. 1317

Abstract

Read online

Pain is often debilitating, and is associated with many pathologies, as either a cause or consequence. Pharmacological interventions, such as opioids, to manage pain may lead to potential problems, such as addiction. When pain is controlled and managed, it can prevent negative associated outcomes affiliated with disease. Music is a low-cost option that shows promise in the management of painful circumstances. Music therapy has provided potent options for pain relief across a variety of ages and populations. As a nonpharmacological alternative or complement lacking side effects, music interventions are growing in clinical application and research protocols. This article considers the neurological implications of varying kinds of pain to provide working considerations that preempt the use of music and music-therapy applications in treating pain.

Keywords