A July 2015 study published in Frontiers in Psychology used fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) to find out what was going on in the brains of people with fibromyalgia as they listened.
Researchers discovered changes in an area called the left angular gyrus, which is involved with language, memory, attention, number processing and spatial cognition. After listening, they saw connectivity levels change between the left angular gyrus and numerous other areas.
They concluded that music led to changes in the way the brain processes pain, which in turn led to changes in the overall experience of pain.
This is likely just the tip of the iceberg. The brain is incredibly complex and we're really just beginning to understand it, so we still have a long way to go before we understand the full impact of music on the brain.
Benefits of Music Therapy
Music theory doesn't have to be a formal intervention performed at a medical facility – it can be something you do in the privacy of your own home, on your own schedule. That also means it's free. And side effects? About the only risk is getting a song stuck in your head.
Planning time to sit or lie quietly and listen to music can help ensure that you take a break from the demands of the day, which could benefit you as well.
I wish I'd known about this while I was working full-time. I may have helped me get through the day with fewer symptoms. Now that I work from home, it's something that's easy to fit into my day.
This is a treatment that falls squarely in the "it can't hurt" category. Whether you gain relaxation time or significant pain relief, it's a win.