Questions and Answers About Using Magnets to Treat Pain

Abstract

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health has published a detailed set of questions and answers about using magnets to treat pain. This resource cites the relevant scientific literature and addresses the following questions. What are magnets? Is the use of magnets considered conventional medicine or complementary and alternative medicine? What is the history of the discovery and use of magnets to treat pain? How common is the use of magnets to treat pain? What are some examples of theories and beliefs about magnets and pain? How are static magnets used in attempts to treat pain? How are electromagnets used in attempts to treat pain? What is known from the scientific evidence about the effectiveness of magnets in treating pain? Are there scientific controversies associated with using magnets for pain? Have any side effects or complications occurred from using magnets for pain? What should consumers know if they are considering using magnets to treat pain? Is the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) funding research on magnets for pain and other diseases and conditions? The report also includes definitions and three appendices that address the following issues: Research on Theories and Beliefs On How Magnets Might Relieve Pain, General and Systematic Reviews on CAM Magnetic Therapy for Pain Published From August 1999 to August 2003, and Reports on Randomized Clinical Trials of Magnetic Therapy for Pain from January 1997 to March 2004.