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Magnets: An Attractive Pain Relief Therapy

by Dr. Julian Whitaker

Published 04/30/09

Magnets have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. More recently, many celebrities claim to have benefited from therapeutic magnets, including former Miami Dolphins' quarterback Dan Marino, professional golfer Jim Colbert, and Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins. Magnets are frequently used on the senior golf circuit, as well as at racetracks, where many trainers will attest to their efficacy in treating musculoskeletal injuries in horses.

There are two generally accepted theories as to how magnets work. The first is that magnets enhance blood flow to an injured area, which would decrease inflammation and speed up healing. But this would not explain the dramatic pain relief-often within a very short time-that many magnet users experience. The second theory is that magnets activate electrical currents in the body and release pain-relieving neurotransmitters and perhaps even stimulate the brain and central nervous system.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation revealed that exposing pain trigger points to weak magnets provided significant, quick relief in patients suffering with post-polio pain. Other research has demonstrated positive findings in relieving pain from whiplash and head injuries, knee inflammation, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

What makes magnets so attractive is their ease of use, low cost, and durability. You can find small magnets for under $50, a one-time purchase that can be used again and again. Simply place the magnet over the affected area with an elastic wrap belt or Velcro attachment (which often comes with the magnet), and go about your business. After a while you won't even notice it's there.

Magnets are exceptionally safe, but since their effect on pacemakers, insulin pumps, drug patches, and pregnancy is unknown, I do not recommend using magnets if you are using one of these devices or are pregnant.