October 24, 2007 – There is no indication that the magnets have a real pain relieving effect, according to the results of a British study.
Researchers analyzed the results of 23 placebo-controlled clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of magnetotherapy (the application of static magnets) in relieving various types of pain.
The researchers stress, however, that these results should be interpreted with caution because the trials studied involved a very wide variety of pain. The procedures employed (types of magnets, duration of treatment, etc.) also varied considerably from study to study.
Some trials have still given positive results. Four studies looked at the pain associated with osteoarthritis and the results suggest that magnetotherapy would be more effective than a placebo.
The researchers conclude that there is no basis, for the moment, to recommend magnetotherapy to counter pain. However, it would be relevant to carry out larger clinical trials and find a placebo indistinguishable from the real magnet, they stress.
However, the researchers found no side effects worth mentioning. However, magnets would be contraindicated for people with a pacemaker, an insulin pump or similar device that can be disturbed by a magnetic field, they say.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
1. Pittler MH, Brown EM, Ernst E. Static magnets for reducing pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. CMAJ. 2007 Sep 25; 177 (7): 736-42.