M

magnet therapy The use of static magnets to cre-
ate magnetic energy fields, which are alignments
of the atoms within them. The most common use
of magnet therapy is to treat chronic PAINsuch as
from OSTEOARTHRITIS, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS,
FIBROMYALGIA, and CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME.

People who have implanted medical

devices such as pacemakers, defibrilla-

tors, and INSULINpumps should not use

therapeutic magnets because they may

interfere with the electrical functions of

the devices.

Therapeutic magnets come in many strengths
and configurations, from adhesive-backed strips to
items of jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets to
magnets designed for placement under the mat-
tress. The only aspects of magnet therapy that fall
within regulatory reach are labeling and market-
ing. Because there are no clinical studies to sup-
port the therapeutic qualities of static magnets,
the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pro-
hibits therapeutic magnet manufacturers from
claiming health benefits from their products. Mag-
net STRENGTHvaries widely among manufacturers
and products, and often varies from the stated
strength on the product packaging.

MAGNETIC ENERGY MEASURES
Earth’s magnetic field 0.5 gauss
refrigerator magnets 35 to 200 gauss
therapeutic magnets 300 to 5,000 gauss
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING 200,000 gauss
(MRI) magnet
Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
(NCCAM)

The earliest documented use of magnets for

HEALINGcomes from medieval times, when sur-

geons used lodestones and magnets made from

them to locate and remove iron fragments and

arrowheads from soldiers on the battlefield. With

understanding of the body’s functions in health or

disease considerably limited until the start of the

twentieth century, magnets remained among the

most popular tools in the doctor’s medicine bag.

Though several theories for how magnets may

exert therapeutic influence seem plausible, partic-

ularly because neurologic and other cellular func-

tions generate electromagnetic fields. so far

clinical studies have not produced findings that

support them. A number of studies have shown

therapeutic benefit with pulsed electromagnetic

therapy, in which a rapidly pulsating electrical

current creates a temporary, powerful magnetic

field. Only health-care professionals may use elec-

tromagnetic therapeutic devices under current

regulations in the United States.

Most health experts believe static magnets have

very limited therapeutic effect though are not

likely to cause harm in most people. Pregnant

women (because effects of magnetic energy fields

on a developing fetus remain unknown) and peo-

ple who have implanted electronic devices

(because the magnet may interfere with the

device’s electromagnetic field) should not use

magnet therapy. Magnets cannot treat or cure dis-

eases such as CANCER, DIABETES, and CARDIOVASCULAR

DISEASE(CVD), though some disreputable vendors

may represent them as being able to do so. A doc-

tor should evaluate any condition that does not

improve within 7 to 10 days.

See also ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR PAIN RELIEF;

BIOFEEDBACK FOR PAIN RELIEF; TRANSCUTANEOUS ELEC-

TRICAL NERVE STIMULATION(TENS).

81