The pull of magnet therapy

By Jacki Hart, MD

Jesse (not her real name), a 34-year-old financial planner, has had a fairly typical experience with starting and continuing to use magnets. In the late 1980s, when Jesse was in graduate school and using a computer often, she began to experience back and shoulder pain. Jesse saw several specialists and underwent a series of tests, including x-rays and MRIs, but her doctors were unable to make a definitive diagnosis. Most of the specialists came to the broad conclusion that the pain originated from the muscles and surrounding soft tissue.

Over the next seven years, Jesse tried the usual measures to treat such pain

The use of magnets to treat conditions from pain to ulcers to fevers dates back thousands of years. More recent (unsubstantiated) claims suggest that magnets may be the answer to cellulitis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The current evidence, which is based primarily on anecdotes such as Jesses and on clinical experience, is most convincing for the use of magnets as an adjunct to treat pain and/or injury of muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons as well as headaches. Examples of such conditions and injuries include the following:]

• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Ongoing low back pain
• Sciatica
• Sprains
• Tendonitis
• Torn muscles
• Tension headaches
• Migraine headaches

The theory is that when magnets are applied to the skin they improve blood flow and restore energy to the injured or painful area. This energy is called "qi" (pronounced "chee") in Chinese medicine, one of the traditional medical systems that uses magnets. Magnets are believed to align molecules in the blood and enhance the transfer of molecules across the membranes of blood vessels. These actions improve delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissue and increase clearance of waste products.

The application of magnets depends on the condition being treated. One method is to apply the magnets in a circle below the level of the heart but slightly above the injured or painful area. For example, to treat tennis elbow, the magnets would be placed in a circle around the circumference of the arm about three to five inches above the affected elbow. In other cases, magnets can be placed along acupuncture points that follow lines of energy flow, called meridians.

There are a variety of magnet products, including the following:

• Spot adhesives
• Bandages
• Shoe insoles
• Mattresses

Insoles are believed to work on the same principles as reflexology and acupuncture. The insoles apply pressure to particular points on the foot, each of which corresponds to a different part of the body.

Mattresses with magnets are claimed to promote general health and relaxation, and to help ease chronic conditions. It is not clear if the first two uses are valid. There has, however, been one small study on the use of mattresses with magnets for people with the chronic, painful condition fibromyalgia. Thirty-five women with fibromyalgia were assigned to sleep on either a mattress pad with magnets or a mattress pad without magnets (the placebo group). The women were not told which type of mattress they were sleeping on. After four weeks, those who slept on the magnet mattress had much greater pain relief and less insomnia than the women in the placebo group.

Magnets should not be used in the following cases:

• On an open cut or sore
  On a rash
• When there is active bleeding, either internal or external
• If you have a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device

When a muscle is torn, there may be bleeding into the muscle, which is not visible. Since magnets are thought to enhance blood flow, they may increase bleeding at a time when you want the bleeding to stop. Therefore, wait at least seven days before using magnets with any injury involving bleeding, internal or external. And, even with acute injuries not involving bleeding, such as a sprained ankle, wait at least five days before using magnets; the enhanced blood flow can increase the swelling and pain in the early phases of an injury.

Magnets may alter hearing aids and the magnetic strips on credit cards. They will also set off metal detectors, so take care in handling, storing, and wearing magnets.

The information in this column is mostly based on case reports, as there is not much scientific research available. However, research into various types of magnets and their uses is underway. For the best advice, work with a health care practitioner who is knowledgeable about magnets, such as an experienced physical therapist, massage therapist, or acupuncturist. These experts can guide you in the application of magnets and can monitor your progress. Also, discuss your symptoms and magnet use with your doctor, who can provide a definitive diagnosis, track your condition, and advise you on the need for conventional therapies in addition to magnets.