Music: A Powerful Tool to Manage Migraine Pain

The Sound of Relief

Mind-Body Insights

and

Geraldo Neto

May 23, 2025

It’s natural to be skeptical.

After all, if you’ve battled migraines for years, the idea that a playlist could help might sound hard to believe.

But listening to music for just 30 minutes a day can cut migraine intensity.

And these results aren’t just based on patient feelings—brain scans reveal real changes in pain pathways when music is used during migraine attacks.

Even short, five-minute sessions can help, as long as you keep it consistent.

Not everyone can commit to half an hour daily.

That’s fine.

The key is to find a rhythm that fits your life.

Consistency matters more than duration.

What Kind of Music Actually Helps?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. There is no magic playlist…

Three main ways music interacts with migraine pain.

Steady rhythms (50–60 BPM) help regulate breathing and lower stress hormones.
Frequencies between 432–440 Hz may reduce the electrical activity linked to migraines.
Music that sparks positive emotions triggers dopamine release, which naturally fights pain.

Here’s the twist: familiar music often works better than so-called “healing frequencies.”

That song you loved as a teenager?

It could be more effective than a generic relaxation track.

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When Should You Listen?

Have you ever tried to use music only after a migraine hits?

Turns out, listening before or at the earliest sign of symptoms works better than waiting until the pain is full-blown.

Morning: Play calming music while you get ready.
Before triggers: Listen when entering places with bright lights or strong smells.
At the first warning sign: Start your playlist as soon as you sense a migraine coming.

Worried about making this a chore?

Pair your music sessions with daily routines—your shower, commute, or dinner prep.

It’s less about adding time, more about weaving relief into what you already do.

“Can music actually trigger migraines?”

About 18% of migraine sufferers say certain sounds or songs can spark an attack.

High-pitched frequencies above 2,000 Hz
Sudden volume changes
Busy, complex instrumentals
Poor audio quality (think tinny earbuds)

Good sound quality and careful song selection make a real difference.

How Does Music Reduce Pain?

Your brain literally turns down pain signals when you listen to music you enjoy.

The sound goes in through your ears.
Your emotional brain reacts.
Your body releases pain-blocking chemicals.
Your perception of pain drops.

You don’t need to be a music expert.

Your brain already knows what it likes, and that’s what works best.

When to Get Extra Help

Music is a tool, not a cure-all.

If you notice new headache patterns, migraines that wake you up, or vision changes that don’t go away, talk to your doctor.

Combining music therapy with medical treatment leads to the best results—patients who do both see better outcomes than those who stick to just one approach.

Start Small, Win Big

You don’t need fancy gear or special training.

Just headphones, your favorite songs, and a willingness to experiment.

Start with five minutes of calming music today and see what happens.

Sound can be a powerful ally against migraine pain—if you use it with intention and consistency