The Efficacy of Binaural Beat Stimulation Mixed with Acoustic Music in Chronic Low Back Pain Management: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: By using an external stimulus with different beat frequencies to generate an optimal brain wave pattern, binaural beat stimulation provides a similar effect to mindfulness meditation. While it has been found to have a beneficial effect in chronic pain conditions, its effect in patients suffering from low back pain has not been examined. Objective: To investigate the efficacy of binaural beat stimulation mixed with acoustic music compared to acoustic music alone in individuals with chronic low back pain. Materials and Methods: Adults with chronic low back pain were randomly allocated into two groups, where Group A listened to 20 minutes of acoustic piano music per day for 14 days, and patients in group B listened to 20 minutes of piano music mixed with 6 Hz-theta binaural beats per day for 14 days. The primary outcome was the pain score at 14 days as measured by the Thai Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). The secondary outcomes included quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) changes, pain interference, and changes in the Thai Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). All participants, outcome assessors and QEEG evaluator were blinded. Results: Twelves participants were enrolled in each group. No intergroup differences were found in pain, pain interference, or QEEG measures. In addition, a significant improvement in the HADS-D (depression subscale) was found in both groups. Conclusion: The authors were unable to find a benefit to the addition of binaural beats stimulation to acoustic music in patients suffering from chronic low back pain. More studies are warranted.