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Magnetic Therapy for Pain Relief

Therapy Magnets and Magnetic Jewelry for Arthritis and More

Nov 22, 2009 Victoria Anisman-Reiner

A magnetic therapy bracelet or other jewelry is said to be able relieve arthritis pain, back pain, and other health issues, but research shows mixed evidence of benefit.

Magnets have been touted for their ability to relieve pain, especially joint achiness and arthritis symptoms. But those considering magnetic therapy for pain relief should take note that the benefits of a magnetic necklace, therapy bracelets, and other jewelry is still being contested – and that the research is still on the fence.

Magnetic Therapy for Pain

According to an ABC News article, over $5 billion of therapy magnets are sold each year worldwide – an amazing amount for a practice that still turns up conflicting results in clinical studies. But despite the lack of evidence, magnets have been used since ancient Greece as a method of treating pain and are often said to help with everything from cancer to depression.

One theory behind magnetic therapy is the idea that magnets draw blood flow, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to painful or injured areas. Another theory suggests that magnets stimulating the body to produce natural painkillers like endorphins.

Magnet therapy jewelry like bracelets, necklaces, and other pieces made from magnetic hematite and metals are popular items in new age and healing stores – and many arthritis and pain sufferers swear by the effect these accessories have had on their pain levels and their health.

Research on Therapy Magnets

Although the proponents of magnet therapy are many and vocal, there is little evidence to support the claims that such jewelry can actually help with health or pain relief.

Although certain studies do show an improvement in reported pain using magnetic therapy bracelets – namely a 2004 study on osteoarthritis – there are many more studies that report no benefit to wearing metal or hematite jewelry as opposed to a placebo. "The evidence supporting magnetic therapy for arthritis pain is limited," reports the The New York Times' Anahad O'Connor.

A 2008 study that is overlooked in The New York Times report, however, did find evidence that magnetic therapy stimulates the flow of blood and helps reduce inflammation if applied at the ideal timing to an injury.

This study, conducted on rats, does not conclude that magnets are a cure-all – but it does show promise that they may be useful in pain and injury treatment, leaving enough room for believers to stand by their magnets while skeptics still have room for doubt.

References:

  • Altman, Lawrence K., "The Doctor's World: Study on Using Magnets to Treat Pain Surprises Skeptics," The New York Times Women's Health Special Edition on the Web, NYTimes.com, 9 December 1997.
  • Dye, Lee, "Can Magnets Cure Pain?" ABC News, ABCNews.go.com, 9 January 2008.
  • O'Connor, Anahad, "The Claim: Magnetic Therapy Can Ease Arthritis Pain," The New York Times, 9 November 2009.

The copyright of the article Magnetic Therapy for Pain Relief in Natural Medicine is owned by Victoria Anisman-Reiner. Permission to republish Magnetic Therapy for Pain Relief in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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