RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Efficacy on Anxiety of the Digital Music Application Versus Equimolar Mixture of Oxygen and Nitrous Oxide in Patients Receiving CT-guided Lumbar Infiltration

This research is investigating a new way to help people with back pain who feel anxious during CT scans. Many patients find hospital procedures stressful, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, a gas mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide (like 'gas and air') is used to calm nerves. However, this can be awkward or uncomfortable for patients lying down, sometimes causing side effects like nausea. This study explores whether using a special digital music application, Music Care®, on a tablet can reduce anxiety just as well as the gas mixture. The researchers believe music therapy could be a simpler, more comfortable, and non-invasive option for patients and could also make the process smoother for the medical team.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes

Enrolment target

128

Start

21 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2029

Low Back Pain Anxiety

What is this study about?

When you need a CT scan for your back pain, especially if it involves injections, it's very common to feel nervous or anxious. Hospitals often use a gas mixture, similar to 'gas and air' used during childbirth, to help people relax. This study is testing a different approach: listening to calming music through a special app called Music Care® on a tablet.

The researchers want to see if listening to music can reduce anxiety just as effectively as the gas mixture. They believe music could be a more comfortable option because you don't have to wear a mask, which can be difficult if you're lying in an uncomfortable position or cause side effects like feeling sick or dizzy. If music works well, it could make the whole experience much calmer and more pleasant for you.

Ultimately, this research aims to find an easier and friendlier way to help patients feel more at ease during what can be a stressful procedure, benefiting both patients and the medical staff caring for them.

Key takeaways

This study is comparing music therapy to 'gas and air' for anxiety during back pain CT scans.
It aims to find a more comfortable and equally effective way to help patients relax.
Participation involves either listening to music or receiving gas during your scan.
You must have low back pain needing a CT-guided injection and feel anxious about it.
The study hopes to improve patient experience during hospital procedures.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult (18 or older) who experiences ongoing low back pain. Doctors must have recommended that you need a CT-guided injection for your back pain, and you should also be feeling a certain level of anxiety about it, as measured by a questionnaire.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you're already taking part in another medical study or if you can't give your clear permission to take part. Also, if you need a specific type of injection directly into your spinal canal (epidural), or if you are deaf or severely hard of hearing, this study might not be suitable because music therapy is a key part of it. If you have had face or head injuries that prevent you from comfortably wearing headphones, you also wouldn't be able to join. Additionally, if the hospital staff can't fully explain the study to you or if you have certain health conditions that mean you can't use the gas mixture, you wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have low back pain that requires a CT-guided injection?
Do you feel anxious about medical procedures or hospital visits?
Are you able to provide your full permission to take part?
Are you able to hear well enough to listen to music through headphones?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is comparing two ways to help with anxiety during your CT-guided back pain procedure. You would either listen to controlled music through a special app on a tablet or receive the usual gas mixture. The study would take place during your scheduled hospital visit for the CT scan. Researchers would measure your anxiety levels before and after the procedure using questionnaires. The total duration of your participation would be limited to the time of your CT scan appointment.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help you feel less anxious during your CT scan, potentially making the experience more comfortable. If the music therapy works well, it could become a standard option, improving care for future patients. There are no known serious risks associated with listening to music, and the gas mixture is a routinely used calming agent, though it can sometimes cause minor side effects like nausea or dizziness. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Nimes
Verified postcode
Nîmes, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'CT-guided lumbar infiltration'?

It's a type of injection for low back pain that uses a special scan (CT scan) to guide the needle precisely to the right spot.

What is EMONO?

EMONO is a gas mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, commonly known as 'gas and air.' It's used to help people relax and manage pain.

Will I have to pay to be in this study?

No, you should not have to pay to participate in the study. Your health insurance should cover your care.

Can I choose if I get music or the gas?

No, you will be randomly assigned to either receive the music therapy or the gas mixture, like flipping a coin, so the study can fairly compare them.

What if I feel more anxious during the procedure?

The medical team will be closely monitoring you and will intervene to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure.

How to find out more

Florelle TERRA

florelle.terra@chu-nimes.fr 06.37.59.77.34 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.