Static Magnets
Not an Effective Treatment for Pain Relief
[Posted 01/10/2008]
Magnetic therapy has become a multi-million dollar
business, with producers of static magnets promising
natural relief from pain stemming from any number of
sources. Many websites make claims that seem
credible, with quotes from the National Center for
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) such
as “Static magnets have been used for centuries in
efforts to relieve pain or to obtain other alleged
benefits (e.g., increased energy). Numerous
anecdotal reports have indicated that individuals
have experienced significant, and at times dramatic,
relief of pain after the application of static
magnets over a painful area.” Are these claims
justified? Although many theories exist, the
scientific evidence to support such claims was
limited.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized
trials released September 25, 2007 in the
Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ)
suggests that there are no significant effects of
static magnets for reducing pain compared to
placebos. Searches were conducted on literature
from the inception of magnetic therapy to March
2007. Only randomized clinic trials conducted with
static magnets for pain treatment and involving
placebos or weak magnets as the control were
considered. Of the trials analyzed, 29 were found
to be relevant. The analysis suggests no
significant difference in pain reduction when
compared to the placebos or the weak magnets.
The study’s authors concluded: “The evidence does
not support the use of static magnets for pain
relief, and therefore magnets cannot be recommended
as an effective treatment. For osteoarthritis, the
evidence is insufficient to exclude a clinically
important benefit, which creates an opportunity for
further investigation.”
Related Links:
Full Study from CMAJ
NCCAM: Energy Medicine Overview
Magnetic Therapy Articles
Magnetic Therapy Promotional Website
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