Health & Medical Pain Diseases

How Do Magnets Relieve Pain?

    Magnetic Fields and the Human Body

    • Static magnets such as the magnets found in magnetic jewelry produce a static, unchanging magnetic field. These magnets are believed to have an effect on the way nerves work, possibly blocking or changing pain impulses. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), magnetic fields may also change the balance between cell growth and death, increase blood flow to affected areas or increase temperature around the affected area.

    History

    • NCCAM says that magnetic therapy has been used since ancient Greek times. By the third century A.D., Greek doctors had started using magnetic rings to treat arthritis and magnetic pills to stop bleeding. In the Middle Ages, magnets were used to treat conditions such as gout and to remove metal-based toxins from the body and clean wounds.

      In the United States, magnetic therapy's popularity began after the Civil War. Healers believed illness could be corrected by manipulating magnetic fields within the blood and sold magnets for this purpose.

    Uses for Magnets Today

    • In 2010, magnets are used to heal arthritis and eliminate other pain in the back, joints, hands and feet. Many people wear jewelry made out of magnets for the purpose of healing pain.

    Scientific Evidence

    • According to NCCAM, there are no valid scientific studies as of May 2010 demonstrating the effectiveness of magnets for healing pain. NCCAM acknowledges that it is difficult to perform studies on this topic; it is hard to tell whether improvement in pain is caused by magnets or by other factors such as the simple belief that pain will be cured. NCCAM points to one study that showed slight improvement in back pain using magnets, but the sample size was too small to be significant.

    Risks of Using Magnets

    • NCCAM says that people with pacemakers, insulin pumps and other surgically installed devices should not use magnets because the magnetic field may interfere with the proper function of these devices. People who have open wounds also should not use magnets because they may interfere with healing of the wound. There are no other known risks to using magnets. However, NCCAM cautions against using magnets in place of traditional medical help rather than just as a supplement to it, as some pain may be a sign of a serious condition requiring medical attention.

SHARE
RELATED POSTS on "Health & Medical"
Oxygen Therapy Influences Episodic Cluster Headache and Related Cutaneous Brush and Cold Allodynia
Oxygen Therapy Influences Episodic Cluster Headache and Related Cutaneous Brush and Cold Allodynia
Causes of Dizziness and Disorientation
Causes of Dizziness and Disorientation
The Truth About What Causes Lower Back Pain
The Truth About What Causes Lower Back Pain
Slipped Disc: Surgery Best for Pain?
Slipped Disc: Surgery Best for Pain?
Botox for Chronic Migraine
Botox for Chronic Migraine
Treat Low Back Pain With Regular Exercises
Treat Low Back Pain With Regular Exercises
Chiropractic for Back Pain - What to Avoid, What to Embrace, and What to Expect
Chiropractic for Back Pain - What to Avoid, What to Embrace, and What to Expect
Treatment of Spinal Stenosis
Treatment of Spinal Stenosis
Preventing Back Pain at Work
Preventing Back Pain at Work
Is It Really Worth It? Chiropractic Care and the Cost
Is It Really Worth It? Chiropractic Care and the Cost
What Can She Do About Her Aching Joints?
What Can She Do About Her Aching Joints?
I Am Having Headaches That Feel Like a Tight Band Around My Head, What Do I Do?
I Am Having Headaches That Feel Like a Tight Band Around My Head, What Do I Do?
How to Cure a Migraine Naturally
How to Cure a Migraine Naturally
Spinal Stenosis Laser Surgery
Spinal Stenosis Laser Surgery
Proper Tens Electrode Placement Following ACL Reconstruction Surgery
Proper Tens Electrode Placement Following ACL Reconstruction Surgery
Sciatica Exercises for Pain Management
Sciatica Exercises for Pain Management
Treating Migraines in Teens
Treating Migraines in Teens
Herbal Pain Relief for Fibromyalgia Can Be Found in Some Old-Fashioned Remedies!
Herbal Pain Relief for Fibromyalgia Can Be Found in Some Old-Fashioned Remedies!
Understanding and Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
Understanding and Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
Wrist Pain - How Wrist Treatment Can Increase Your Pain, and the 3 Exercises You Need For Relief
Wrist Pain - How Wrist Treatment Can Increase Your Pain, and the 3 Exercises You Need For Relief

Leave Your Reply

*