Can music therapy help reduce pain in youth with sickle cell disease?

This study is testing whether a 4-week program of daily music therapy can help reduce pain and improve emotional wellbeing in young people with sickle cell disease. Researchers will use a specially designed music app called Music Care© that guides you through relaxing music sessions. The study will also look at how this treatment affects your immune system at a cellular level.

Young people with sickle cell disease often experience severe, recurring pain that can affect school, friendships, and quality of life. While medications can help, they sometimes have side effects that get in the way of normal activities. This study explores whether this non-medication approach could be a safe, helpful addition to current pain management strategies.