Help for all diseases
By CIDPUSA.ORG,
Sat, 31 May 2010 17:55:07

Magnet therapy

Date updated: March 08, 2007
Natural Standard Research Collaboration

Grade: B

Chronic pelvic pain

Preliminary research reports reductions of pain in women with chronic refractory pelvic pain using magnet therapy. Well-designed studies are needed in this area before a conclusion can be drawn.


Grade: C

Denture aid

A few case reports show that incorporation of dental magnets into dentures may be useful for patients with limited ability to tolerate or control removable dentures. Further research is needed to confirm these results.


Grade: C

Diabetic foot pain

Initial research reports significant reductions in foot burning, numbness, tingling, and walking-induced foot pain with the use of static magnetic shoe insoles. Despite methodologic weaknesses with the design and reporting of available studies, these findings are promising. Effects are reported to take three to four months to be noted. High quality research is necessary in this area before a firm conclusion can be drawn.


Grade: C

Fibromyalgia

The effectiveness of magnet therapy as an additive treatment for fibromyalgia has been assessed in preliminary studies (including the use of magnetic sleep pads). Results of recent research suggest that magnetic fields may not be helpful for this condition. Better study is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.


Grade: C

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Initial studies of electromagnetic field therapy for MS report varied results, with one trial suggesting improvement in spasticity but not other symptoms, and a different study finding improvement in a combined rating for bladder control, cognitive function, fatigue level, mobility, spasticity, and vision (but no change in overall symptom score). Due to methodologic weaknesses of these studies, it remains unclear if electromagnetic field therapy is beneficial in patients with MS.


Grade: C

Neck pain

Pulsed electromagnetic therapy and magnetic "necklaces" have been used and studied in people with chronic neck pain. Research is limited and not well designed. Better studies are necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.


Grade: C

Osteoarthritis (knee, shoulder, spine)

Several studies have evaluated the use of magnetic field therapy applied to areas of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. In particular, this research has focused on knee osteoarthritis. However, most studies have been small or not well designed or reported, and efficacy remains clear. Notably, one promising small study published in 2004 by Wolsko et al. reported some benefits. Larger and better quality studies are needed before a recommendation can be made in this area.


Grade: C

Post-polio pain

Preliminary research reports improved muscle strength and pain in post-polio patients receiving therapy with static magnetic fields. Additional study is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

please see magnetic field deficiency syndrome