Magnets for Pain

According to an ABC News report, the use of magnets for medical purposes generates $5 billion a year. Although there is little scientific evidence to support the theory that magnets reduce pain, recent studies show that there might be some benefits, such as a reduction in swelling.

History

• Magnets have been used for their healing properties for thousands of years, and they were mentioned in the oldest medical textbook ever found, dating to 2000 B.C. Their healing properties have been gaining ground since the 1976 International Conference on Biomagnetism.

Magnetic Therapy

• Magnets are commonly used in products such as bracelets, insoles, patches or disks, and they are applied directly to the affected area. Medical magnets are stronger in strength than the Earth's natural magnetic field, but they are weaker than those used in MRI machines.

How Magnets Might Work

• It is theorized that magnets block pain signals from reaching the brain and increase blood flow to body tissue. A recent study using rats theorizes that the use of magnets might reduce swelling.

Complications

• Magnets are considered a safe alternative treatment, except for people with pacemakers, defibrillators or insulin pumps. The magnetic field could interfere with them.

Considerations

• Consult your doctor about any alternative methods of treatment. Magnets should be considered a complementary treatment and not used exclusively for serious medical conditions.