Glasgow Caledonian University - Soothed by the groove

Listening to music by heavy metal bands such as Motorhead might not sound like the best way to relieve a headache. But a researcher at Glasgow Caledonian University has found that listening to favourite tunes can help ease pain. Laura Mitchell, a lecturer in psychology, found that when people listened to music they enjoyed, they felt less pain and could tolerate pain for longer than those offered other distractions, such as completing a puzzle or looking at a piece of art. She said the emotional associations of a favourite song reduce perceptions of pain.