Study Shows Magnetic Bracelets Relieve Pain

In a previous post, a study determining the effectiveness of magnetic bracelets against pain was discussed. One hundred ninety-four patients suffering from osteoarthritis, specifically of the knee and hip, were included in the study.

Summary of the Study

These patients were divided into three groups. The first group wore strong magnetic bracelets of 170 to 200 mTesla. The second group wore weak magnetic bracelets of 21 to 30 mTesla. Finally, the third wore non-magnetic bracelets.

The patients were asked to wear the bracelets for twelve weeks. After this period, the degree of pain relief was compared. Note that all three groups were not aware as to what type of bracelet they were wearing, so they could not “fake” their results.

Results of the Study

There was greater pain relief (WOMAC A) in the first group of patients who used magnetic bracelets compared to the third group who used non-magnetic bracelets.

There was greater improvement in the level of functioning (WOMAC C) in the first group of patients who used magnetic bracelets compared to the third group who used non-magnetic bracelets.

There was no difference in leg stiffness (WOMAC B) among the groups. However, this indicator has always been seen as lacking sensitivity.

As to how magnetic bracelets provide natural pain relief is not known. This may be due to different mechanisms of action; in fact, this may be due to psychological factors. However, the use of non-magnetic bracelets did not bring relief, indicating that pain relief was actually due to the magnetic characteristic of bracelets.

The study therefore shows that magnetic bracelets are a promising natural pain relief modality. They have been shown to provide pain relief for osteoarthritis involving both the knee and the hip, more than any placebo device.

More studies are needed to show if wearing magnetic bracelets beyond 3 months actually continues to provide natural pain relief. This study has opened the doors for investigating magnets and their role in promoting health and providing a natural way for people to overcome pain, especially from osteoarthritis of the knee and of the hip.

To know more about the details of the above study, read this.

Source: “Magnetic Bracelets May Reduce the Pain of Lower Limb Osteoarthritis” by Yael Waknine from Medscape Medical News

Research Shows Magnetic Bracelets Provide Relief

Magnetic bracelets have been sold for a long time as alternative treatment to pain. They have been marketed as trinkets that promote health all over the world. Magnetic bracelet vendors have claimed that these devices help reduce pain, prompting thousands of people to buy magnetic bracelets in hopes of effective and natural pain relief.

However, they have been met with a lot of criticism and are sometimes seen as another component of “quack” medicine.

A study previously published in the British Medical Journal showed that magnetic bracelets were proven to actually provide relief from pain due to osteoarthritis, specifically of the knee and the hip.

It has been shown that different studies showed contradicting evidence because these studies used different magnets of different strengths. Also, these studies studied different conditions and different treatment periods. Therefore, a study was done to determine the specific effect of magnetic bracelets on knee and hip osteoarthritis.

Details of the study

• The study was done by researchers from Peninsula Medical school.
• There were 194 patients involved, between forty-five and eighty years old.
• All of the patients complained of osteoarthritis of knees and hips.
• Patients were grouped in three. The first group used magnetic bracelets of 170 to 200 mTesla strength. The second group used magnetic bracelets of a weaker strength (21 to 30 mTesla). The last group used bracelets with no magnetic capacities.
• These patients continued to wear the bracelets for three months.
• Pain was evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Three indicators were evaluated: pain, stiffness of legs, and level of functioning, corresponding to WOMAC A, B, and C.
• After the study, the researchers found out that the second group of bracelets (the ones with a weaker magnetic strength) were “contaminated”. Their strengths were found to be a lot more than their expected strengths. However, both the first and third groups were unaffected.

The study showed significant differences between pain relief afforded by strong magnets, weak magnets, and non-magnetic bracelets. To view the results of the study, click here.