Magnetic Bracelets For Back Pain

Eight out of ten Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives, advises MedlinePlus. The pain may range from dull and achy to sharp pain. Acute back injuries usually resolve themselves in a range from days to weeks; chronic back injuries may never be totally resolved. Those who experience back pain, be it acute or chronic, seek relief in many ways, including the use of magnetic therapy. Although the use of magnetic therapy dates back hundreds of years, consult your health care provider before beginning any new therapy.

Background

Magnetic therapy, as defined by Encyclopedia.com, is the use of magnets for pain relief in various parts of the body. Magnetic bracelets fall into the category of magnetic therapy. The ancient Egyptians practiced magnetic therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine used magnetic therapy as far back as 200 B.C. In current practice, magnetic therapy is used in some areas of complementary and alternative medicine. Traditional Western medicine, which relies on scientific research, has found conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of magnetic therapy for the relief of pain, as reported by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Expert Insight I

The "Canadian Medical Association Journal" published a review and analysis of scientific research on magnetic therapy for the relief of pain in its Sept. 25, 2007 edition. The study authors concluded at that time that there was insufficient evidence to say that static magnets were an effective treatment for pain relief.

Expert Insight II

A review of treatment parameters involved in research studies to determine the effectiveness of magnetic therapy in pain relief was published in the June 6, 2009 edition of "Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine." The review conclusion: Further research into the effectiveness of magnetic therapy for pain relief needs to ensure that parameters are established for the variables involved, including the strength of magnets used. Review authors said using magnets too weak to reach certain areas of pain would be the same as giving too small a dose of an antibiotic to someone, then concluding that the antibiotic was ineffective.

Considerations

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that when applied to the skin, magnets are generally considered safe. The center also advises that magnet therapy not be used in place of proven treatments for serious conditions. Consult your health-care provider before beginning any new treatment, including the use of magnetic bracelets for back pain.

Warning

Magnetic bracelets may not be safe for people who have a pacemaker, defibrillator, insulin pump or a wound that has not healed, advises the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.