A song comes on and — ouch — your head tightens instantly. For some, music isn’t just background noise. During a migraine, it can turn into an unexpected trigger or, oddly enough, a strange form of relief. Migraines are already unpredictable, but throw sound into the mix and things get even more complicated. Certain beats, tones, or even volume levels can make the pain worse. 

On the flip side, soft melodies or rhythmic sounds might actually help ease the tension. It’s not all in your head — science shows the brain processes sound differently during a migraine. 

The result? Music can either be your worst enemy or an unlikely friend when your head is pounding. Understanding why this happens can make a big difference when managing migraine days.

How does music influence the intensity of a migraine?

Music can significantly impact the intensity of a migraine, influencing it in various ways depending on the individual’s sensitivity and the type of music. Here’s how music can affect migraine intensity:

  • Sonic Hypersensitivity: Many migraine sufferers experience heightened sensitivity to sound, known as phonophobia. Certain sounds, including music, can intensify the pain during a migraine attack. High-pitched, loud, or erratic music may aggravate symptoms, leading to an increase in discomfort or even triggering a more severe migraine.
  • Type of Music: The music played can influence how it affects a migraine. Fast-paced or loud music with sharp beats may worsen symptoms, while calming or low-tempo music, like classical or ambient sounds, may offer relief. Soft, soothing music can help relax the mind and body, potentially easing the migraine’s intensity.
  • Frequency and Volume: The frequency of sound and the volume at which music is played can also impact migraine severity. High-frequency sounds or sudden changes in volume can exacerbate migraines, while steady, low-frequency music at a moderate volume is less likely to cause discomfort.
  • Distraction and Relaxation: For some, listening to music can serve as a distraction, helping to shift focus away from the pain and reduce stress, which may alleviate the migraine. Music therapy is sometimes used to help patients with chronic migraines manage their symptoms.

Music can alleviate or intensify migraine pain depending on various factors, including sound sensitivity, music type, and volume. Understanding these variables can help migraine sufferers manage their condition more effectively.

Can certain sound frequencies trigger unusual migraine reactions?

Yes, certain sound frequencies can trigger unusual migraine reactions, as individuals with migraines often experience heightened sensitivity to specific types of sound. Here’s how sound frequencies can influence migraines:

  • Heightened Sensitivity to High-Frequency Sounds: Many migraine sufferers experience discomfort or pain when exposed to high-frequency sounds. These frequencies, such as high-pitched tones or screeching noises, can aggravate migraine symptoms by overstimulating the auditory system. Sounds like sirens, alarms, or even high-pitched musical notes can worsen migraine intensity or trigger an attack.
  • Low-Frequency Sounds: Interestingly, low-frequency sounds can also be problematic for some individuals. Sounds such as deep bass, rumbling noises, or vibrations from machines may cause discomfort or provoke a migraine in particularly sensitive individuals. These low-frequency sounds can create a sense of pressure or discomfort, leading to an increased perception of pain.
  • Fluctuating Sound Levels: Sudden changes in sound intensity, such as shifts from quiet to loud noises, can trigger migraines. Even a brief increase in volume or a sudden loud noise can disrupt the brain’s processing, leading to heightened sensitivity and pain.
  • Persistent Sound Exposure: Continuous exposure to specific frequencies, even at moderate levels, can lead to sensory overload, triggering migraines in susceptible individuals. This can happen with prolonged listening to certain types of music or environmental noise.

Both high and low-frequency sounds, as well as fluctuations in volume, can trigger unusual migraine reactions, emphasizing the need for sound sensitivity management in migraine sufferers.

Why do some people experience migraines differently when exposed to music?

The experience of migraines in response to music varies from person to person due to biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Here’s why some people experience migraines differently when exposed to music:

  • Phonophobia (Sound Sensitivity): Many migraine sufferers are sensitive to sound, a condition known as phonophobia. Even soft music can feel overwhelming for these individuals, especially if the volume is too high or has high-pitched frequencies. This heightened sensitivity can cause music to trigger or exacerbate migraines.
  • Type of Music: The genre or type of music can play a significant role in how it affects migraine sufferers. Fast-paced, high-energy music with abrupt changes in volume or tempo can be more likely to worsen migraine symptoms. In contrast, slower, soothing music with a steady rhythm often provides relief by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
  • Brain Activity and Neurochemistry: Migraines are linked to changes in brain chemistry, particularly in areas that control sensory input. Certain frequencies or patterns in music may interact with the brain’s neural circuits, triggering or soothing migraine pain depending on the individual’s neurological response.
  • Emotional State: A person’s emotional response to music also influences how it impacts their migraine. If the music elicits stress, frustration, or sadness, it may worsen the migraine. Conversely, music that promotes positive emotions may have a soothing effect.

The varied response to music in migraine sufferers is due to differences in sound sensitivity, brain chemistry, emotional state, and the type of music being played.

Is there a link between auditory sensitivity and migraine development?

Yes, there is a significant link between auditory sensitivity and the development of migraines. Many individuals with migraines experience heightened sensitivity to sound, known as phonophobia, which can be both a symptom of an ongoing migraine attack and a contributing factor to its development. Here’s how auditory sensitivity and migraines are connected:

  • Increased Sensory Sensitivity: People who suffer from migraines often have a more sensitive nervous system, leading to heightened responses to sensory stimuli, including sound. This sensitivity can cause the brain to overreact to normal sounds, such as background noise or music, triggering or exacerbating migraine pain.
  • Triggering Migraines: Loud or certain high-pitched sounds can act as triggers for migraine attacks in individuals with auditory sensitivity. For example, sounds from traffic, crowded environments, or even household noise can set off a migraine episode, especially if the person is already predisposed to migraines.
  • Central Nervous System Changes: Studies suggest that individuals with migraines have altered brain activity and changes in how the central nervous system processes sensory input. This includes the way the brain responds to auditory stimuli. For some, the auditory system becomes overstimulated, which can lead to the onset of a migraine.
  • Chronic Migraine and Auditory Sensitivity: Over time, individuals with chronic migraines may develop an even greater sensitivity to sound, as repeated migraine episodes can lead to changes in the auditory processing areas of the brain. This can further worsen phonophobia and create a vicious cycle where sensitivity to sound increases the likelihood of future migraines.

Auditory sensitivity is closely linked to the development and exacerbation of migraines. Managing sound exposure and addressing sensory sensitivities is often important in migraine treatment and prevention.

Your Migraine Relief Starts With Us

It’s wild how something as simple as a song can either ease your migraine or make it spiral. Migraines don’t play by the rules, and sound is just one more piece of the puzzle. That’s why managing them takes more than guesswork — it takes real support and smart strategies. 

At Collective Chiropractic, we understand migraines aren’t one-size-fits-all. From gentle adjustments to personalized care, we’re here to help you figure out what makes yours tick and how to ease them for good. You don’t have to tackle the mystery of migraines alone — we’ve got your back (and your head).

Reach out today and let’s work together to make migraines less of a mystery and more under control.