Magnet therapy

Date updated: March 08, 2007
Natural Standard Research Collaboration

Synonyms

Alternating current (AC) sinusoidal waveform, bioelectromagnetics, bioenergy informatics principles, bioenergy therapy, chronobiology, electromagnetic field therapy, electromagnetism, gauss (G) units, lodestones, magnetic field therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), pulsed electromagnetic fields, pulsed signal therapy (PST^TM), scintigraphy, static magnets, tai ki biomagnets.

This monograph does not include an evidence review of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which has been studied as a technique to diagnosis or treat Parkinson's disease.

Background

The use of magnets to treat illness has been described historically in many civilizations, and was suggested by ancient Egyptian priests and in the 4^th century BC by Hippocrates. The 15^th century Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus theorized that magnets may be able to attract diseases and leach them from the body. In modern times, magnetic fields play an important role in Western medicine, including use for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), pulsed electromagnetic fields, and experimental magnetic stimulatory techniques.

Many different types, sizes, and strengths of magnets are available. Magnet therapy may be administered by a healthcare professional, or used by individuals on their own. Constant (static) magnets or pulsed electromagnetic fields may be applied to areas of the body affected by illness, or to the entire body. Devices exist which can implanted in the body or used externally to deliver pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Self-adhesive magnetic strips, foils, belts and bracelets are available for self-treatment. Magnetic jewelry such as earrings and necklaces, shoe inserts, mattress pads, and magnet-conditioned water are commercially sold. Magnet wraps are available for thumbs, wrists, knees, thighs, ankles, elbows, shoulders, shins, back, and head, as well as for animals such as dogs, cats, and horses. Lodestones are rocks that may possess natural magnetic properties, and are sometimes sold as healthcare products.

The magnetic field from permanent (static) magnets is different from electromagnetic radiation and may have different effects on the body. Scientific evidence suggests that pulsed electromagnetic fields may be useful in the healing of non-union tibia fractures. However, medical uses of stand-alone magnets (static magnetic fields) have not been sufficiently studied, and benefits for any specific condition have not been proven scientifically.

Theory

There are numerous published theories regarding the possible medicinal value of static magnets or electromagnetic fields, although high quality scientific research is lacking. Proposed mechanisms include effects on blood vessels (improvements in blood circulation, increases in oxygen content of the blood, alkalinization of bodily fluids, decreases in blood vessel wall deposition of toxic materials or cholesterol plaques, relaxation of blood vessel (due to effects on cellular calcium-channels), effects on the nervous system (alterations in nerve impulses, blockage of nerve-cell conduction, reduction of edema (fluid retention), increases in local tissue oxygen, increases in endorphins, relaxation of muscles, changes in cell membranes, or stimulation of acupoints (similar to the proposed activity of acupuncture needles). In some types of traditional Chinese medicine, magnets are believed to set up specific patterns of flow of the body's life force or chi (qi).

Evidence

Non-union of fractures/fracture healing (general)

Several studies report that pulsed electromagnetic fields may improve healing of fractures that have not healed properly, including long bone, scaphoid, metatarsal (foot bone), and vertebral fractures. The most well-studied bone is the tibia (the main long bone in the lower leg). Failure to heal ("non-union") is usually diagnosed after six to nine months with an x-ray. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy has been used in Europe and the United States, but remains controversial. It is not clear if this therapy is equal to or better than other therapies, such as bone grafting. This type of treatment requires special equipment and expertise.

In theory, pulsed electromagnetic fields may assist with the management of other types of fractures that have failed to heal completely. However, there is insufficient evidence to evaluate the use of electrical stimulation for fracture nonunions of other bones in the body other than the long bones. Further research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.


Grade: B

Chronic pelvic pain

Preliminary research reports reductions of pain in women with chronic refractory pelvic pain using magnet therapy. Well-designed studies are needed in this area before a conclusion can be drawn.


Grade: C

Denture aid

A few case reports show that incorporation of dental magnets into dentures may be useful for patients with limited ability to tolerate or control removable dentures. Further research is needed to confirm these results.


Grade: C

Diabetic foot pain

Initial research reports significant reductions in foot burning, numbness, tingling, and walking-induced foot pain with the use of static magnetic shoe insoles. Despite methodologic weaknesses with the design and reporting of available studies, these findings are promising. Effects are reported to take three to four months to be noted. High quality research is necessary in this area before a firm conclusion can be drawn.


Grade: C

Fibromyalgia

The effectiveness of magnet therapy as an additive treatment for fibromyalgia has been assessed in preliminary studies (including the use of magnetic sleep pads). Results of recent research suggest that magnetic fields may not be helpful for this condition. Better study is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.


Grade: C

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Initial studies of electromagnetic field therapy for MS report varied results, with one trial suggesting improvement in spasticity but not other symptoms, and a different study finding improvement in a combined rating for bladder control, cognitive function, fatigue level, mobility, spasticity, and vision (but no change in overall symptom score). Due to methodologic weaknesses of these studies, it remains unclear if electromagnetic field therapy is beneficial in patients with MS.


Grade: C

Neck pain

Pulsed electromagnetic therapy and magnetic "necklaces" have been used and studied in people with chronic neck pain. Research is limited and not well designed. Better studies are necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.


Grade: C

Osteoarthritis (knee, shoulder, spine)

Several studies have evaluated the use of magnetic field therapy applied to areas of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. In particular, this research has focused on knee osteoarthritis. However, most studies have been small or not well designed or reported, and efficacy remains clear. Notably, one promising small study published in 2004 by Wolsko et al. reported some benefits. Larger and better quality studies are needed before a recommendation can be made in this area.


Grade: C

Post-polio pain

Preliminary research reports improved muscle strength and pain in post-polio patients receiving therapy with static magnetic fields. Additional study is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.


Grade: C

Rheumatoid arthritis pain

Initial evidence has failed to show improvements in knee pain with the use of magnet therapy. However, due to methodologic weaknesses with this research, the conclusions cannot be considered definitive.


Grade: C

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

There are several small studies of electromagnetic stimulation for tinnitus. Some trials report no benefits, while one study reports significant improvements in symptom severity. A different trial reports no significant benefits of ear canal magnets. Most research in this area has not been well designed or reported, and it remains unclear if magnet therapy is useful for this condition.


Grade: C

Urinary incontinence

Several small preliminary studies have been conducted using electromagnetic stimulation therapy in patients with urinary incontinence (including both stress and urge incontinence). The premise of this approach is that by seating individuals into a chair unit which incorporates a magnetic coil, electromagnetic pulses can be created which induce contractions of pelvic floor muscles. A course of therapy may involve up to two 20-minute treatments per day over eight weeks. The available studies have not been randomized, placebo controlled, or adequately blinded, and the number of involved patients has been small. Therefore, although the initial results are promising, better quality studies are necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn. Nonetheless, patients with persistent incontinence who have failed other approaches, and who have been evaluated by a urologist, may wish to pursue this approach with a qualified health care professional (who can explain the potential benefits and risks).

Incontinence may occur for various reasons, some which are potentially serious, and women or men experiencing incontinence should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare practitioner.


Grade: C

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Preliminary evidence suggests that a magnet attached via a bracelet to the wrist for 45 minutes does not improve pain in people with carpal tunnel syndrome.


Grade: D

Chronic low back pain

The use of permanent or harnessed bipolar magnets in the treatment of chronic back pain is controversial. Early evidence with stronger magnets (up to 2000 gauss strength) reported benefits, while more recent study with lower strength (450 gauss strength) noted no effects. Additional research is necessary in this area before a firm conclusion can be drawn.


Grade: D

No Evidence

Achilles tendonitis, ankle pain, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bedsores, blood flow stimulation, bunions, bursitis, cancer chemotherapy, cardiovascular problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, cellular metabolism enhancement, cerebral palsy, Charcot joint, chronic pelvic pain, circulatory disorders, depression, diarrhea, edema, energy enhancement, epilepsy, esophagitis, fertility, fatigue, hair loss, heel spurs, hemorrhage, high blood pressure, immune system stimulation, improving sports performance, increasing blood circulation, increasing well-being, inflammation, insomnia, jet lag, knee pain, knee replacement surgery healing improvement/settling prosthetic implants, lower back pain, menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, migraine headache, muscle soreness, neck pain, neurological disorders, nerve regeneration, obstructive sleep apnea, orbicular muscle paralysis, osteochondrosis, osteopathy, peripheral neuropathy, respiratory (breathing) disorders, restless leg syndrome, retinitis pigmentosa, sciatica, shoulder pain, snoring, soft tissue injuries, strength, stress reduction, synovitis, tendonitis, tennis elbow, traumatic reticulitis, vitality, whiplash, wound healing.

 

Safety

People with implantable medical devices such as heart pacemakers, defibrillators, insulin pumps, or hepatic artery infusion pumps should avoid exposure to magnets, as magnets may affect the functioning of some equipment.

Some publications discourage the use of static magnets or electromagnetic field therapy during pregnancy or in people with myasthenia gravis or bleeding disorders, and suggest that magnets may cause dizziness, nausea, or prolong poor wound healing or bleeding. Scientific research is limited in these areas.

Magnet therapy is not advised as the sole treatment for potentially serious medical conditions, and should not delay the time to diagnosis or treatment with more proven methods. Patients are advised to discuss magnet therapy with a qualified healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Attribution

This information is based on a professional level monograph edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

 

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