10/06/2026
We're in Migraine and Headache Awareness Month and you would think that the last thing you'd want, if you're suffering from either of these, would be to listen or play music. Well, today's will show you why you'll be surprised that there's evidence to the contrary.
Playing music reduces the effects of headaches and non-phonophobic migraines by:
1. changing brain chemistry thereby reducing the pain
Listening to preferred or calming music activates the brain’s dopamine and endogenous opioid pathways; the body’s natural pain‑relief system.
This reduces the subjective experience of pain and lowers stress hormones like cortisol.
2. distracting the brain from pain signals
Music occupies attention and can “close the gate” on pain transmission (Gate Control Theory), reducing how strongly pain is perceived.
3. calming the nervous system
Relaxing music reduces activation of the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑adrenal (HPA) axis, lowering stress; a major migraine trigger.
What's more there have been some clinical trials done supporting this. One of which, in 2021, using daily music sessions for episodic migraine showed:
- Reduced migraine frequency
- Reduced attack duration
- Lower anxiety and depression scores
- Reduced medication use
There's even better news for those of you who play an instrument as, even though there have been fewer studies, the evidence is that the effects are stronger than just listening to music due to the following:
- Deep breathing plus rhythmic movement regulate the nervous system
- Playing requires focused attention, creating cognitive distraction
- Emotional expression reduces stress, a major headache trigger
Yet another reason, as if we needed one, to get your instrument out on a regular basis and play.
