Magnetic Therapy For Back Pain

Are you suffering from back pain? Back pain is very common and it can be caused by many factors. If you are experiencing back pain, magnetic therapy may be helpful to you.  

Magnetic therapy uses magnets to increase the blood flow in the area and reduce pain. Magnetic therapy can be used to treat a variety of health problems, including shoulder pain, menstrual pain and back pain. 

Are you interested in knowing more about magnetic therapy and back pain? You have come to the right place. Keep scrolling and find out more!

Definition of magnetic therapy 

Magnetic therapy¹ has plenty of approaches with subtypes of electromagnetic or pulsed fields (PEMF) and static magnetic fields (SMF). For PEMF, an electronic circuit or power source is needed to modify electromagnetic fields. On the other hand, SMF is generated by strong static magnets of different sizes, polarities and strengths without the need for an electrical current. PEMF has been suggested to have various beneficial biological effects. Magnetic therapy can be used in treatments for chronic pain syndromes.² However, there are situations in which magnetic therapy may not be applicable which include:

• Pregnancy
• Bleeding or increased risk of bleeding
• Epilepsy
• Implanted devices
• Infection
• Tumour 

Although some may find it calm and quiet when receiving magnetic therapy, others may experience cough, spit and slight pain.³ Sometimes, patients experience serious side effects like convulsions during treatment.

Overview of back pain

Back pain⁴ ranges from a dull, constant ache to sharp pain that may shoot down the leg. The onset of back pain can be very sudden or slowly developed with age. You may get back pain from an accident, a fall or lifting something heavy. There are also pathological causes for back pain, like inflammatory arthritis disorders and other medical conditions. 

The rationale for exploring magnetic therapy for back pain

Historical use and cultural significance

Magnetic therapy has a rich historical foundation, dating back thousands of years, with evidence from ancient civilizations such as the Chinese, Hindus, Greeks, and Egyptians.⁵

Cultural and historical texts describe the application of magnets for healing purposes, indicating a longstanding belief in the potential therapeutic benefits of magnetic fields.

Traditional medicine influence

Traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, have historically utilised magnetic therapy in various forms to address imbalances and promote well-being.

The inclusion of magnetic therapy in traditional medical practices provides a historical context that sparks interest in its potential efficacy for managing back pain.

Bioenergetic considerations

The concept of bioenergetic forces and the influence of magnetic fields on the body have been proposed in historical medical theories, such as Paracelsus' "animal magnetism" and Mesmer's theories of universal life force.

Modern research in bioenergetics and the role of electromagnetic fields in cellular processes contribute to the rationale for investigating magnetic therapy's impact on back pain.⁶

Pain management alternatives

As an alternative or complementary approach to conventional pain management methods, magnetic therapy offers a non-invasive and potentially side-effect-free option for individuals experiencing back pain.

The desire for diverse pain management strategies, especially for chronic conditions, motivates the exploration of magnetic therapy as part of a holistic approach.

Advancements in magnet technology

Technological advancements have led to the development of various magnetic therapy devices, such as bracelets, mattresses, and pads, making it more accessible and convenient for individuals seeking relief from back pain.

An improved understanding of magnet technology allows for the targeted application of magnetic fields to specific areas of the body, enhancing the potential effectiveness of magnetic therapy.

Chronic pain challenges

Chronic back pain, often challenging to treat with conventional methods, prompts the exploration of alternative therapies like magnetic therapy.

The need for long-term solutions and the limitations of existing treatments contribute to the rationale for investigating the sustained effects of magnetic therapy on chronic back pain.

Understanding back pain 

Causes of back pain

Back pain can be caused by mechanical or structural problems with the spine, inflammatory conditions and other medical conditions.⁷ These causes may all be present at the same time and result in chronic back pain. 

Mechanical or structural problems

• Sprain
• Strain
• Degenerative disc disease due to ageing
• Herniated or ruptured discs irritating nearby nerves
• Spondylolisthesis where a vertebra in the spine slips out of place or moves out of alignment as time goes by
• Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal becomes narrow and pressure on the spinal cord and nerves
• Fractured vertebrae
• Scoliosis 
• Myofascial pain

Inflammatory diseases

• Ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis
• Other inflammatory arthritis

Other medical problems

• Osteoporosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Kidney stones or infections
• Endometriosis
• Infections around the spine 
• Pregnancy 

Basics of magnetic therapy 

Historical context 

The history of magnet therapy⁸ spans thousands of years, with early practices documented in ancient texts such as the Yellow Emperor's Book of Internal Medicine and the Vedas. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Swiss physician Paracelsus explored the healing properties of magnets. In the sixteenth century, William Gilbert linked magnets to health, proposing Earth as a giant magnet. By the eighteenth century, carbon steel magnets became widely available, sparking public interest. Maximilian Hell-shaped magnets mimic body structures, influencing Franz Anton Mesmer's concept of "animal magnetism." Mesmer, though popular, faced criticism from the medical community, which dismissed magnetic healing as suggestion-based. In the United States, Elisha Perkins patented the "magnetic tractor" in 1795, claiming healing properties, but scepticism prevailed. Magnet therapy waned with medical advances but has resurged in the twenty-first century, particularly for chronic conditions not adequately addressed by conventional medicine.

Principles of magnetic therapy 

Magnetic therapy uses magnetic fields⁹ to help relieve pain and speed up the healing process. Electromagnetic fields have demonstrated their capability to affect cell permeability and improve oxygen delivery to the cells leading to better absorption of nutrients, improved circulation and clearance of waste products. Magnets might also have a role in reducing inflammation and pain and hence facilitate healing. The magnets are usually incorporated into bracelets, belts or fabric straps with various strengths and sizes. Static magnet strength ranges from 300 to 5000 gauss. Magnets induce a small current to simulate nerve endings through the electromagnetic field. As a myriad of electrolytes¹⁰ are distributed throughout the entire body, the distribution, concentration, and movement speed of ions in the body change as the magnetic field force is applied. This changes the cell membrane potential and permeability and mechanical stimuli will be formed locally or on the whole body. It then makes nociceptive fibres less sensitive and increases localised blood flow. There are two types of magnets: unipolar and bipolar magnets. They have different configurations and are made of different materials. 

Types of magnetic therapy devices 

Magnetic bracelets 

• Design and construction: Typically made of materials like stainless steel or silicone, magnetic bracelets incorporate small magnets strategically placed along the inner surface or within the bracelet links.
• Wearable convenience: Designed to be worn around the wrist, these bracelets are often adjustable to fit different wrist sizes. They come in various styles, from sleek and modern to more traditional designs.
• Targeted application: Magnetic bracelets are believed to provide localised magnetic therapy to the wrist and surrounding areas, influencing blood circulation and muscle relaxation. Some users wear them for general wellness and pain relief.

Magnetic mattresses 

• Construction: Magnetic mattresses are equipped with embedded magnets or magnetic pads distributed throughout the mattress. These magnets are often strategically placed to correspond with different areas of the body, especially the back.
• Material and comfort: Magnetic mattresses are available in various materials, including memory foam, latex, or innerspring. Users can choose a mattress based on their comfort preferences, and the embedded magnets are designed to provide magnetic therapy while sleeping.¹¹
• Continuous exposure: Unlike wearable devices, magnetic mattresses offer a more sustained exposure to magnetic fields throughout the night, potentially influencing overall well-being and addressing back pain concerns during sleep.

Magnetic pads

• Portable therapy: Magnetic pads are flexible and portable devices that can be placed on specific areas of the body, including the back. They are often designed to be used while sitting or lying down, allowing for targeted magnetic therapy.
• Variety of designs: Magnetic pads come in different sizes and shapes, accommodating various applications. Some are specifically contoured for the back, while others may be more versatile, and suitable for different body parts.
• Versatile usage: Users can use magnetic pads on chairs, car seats, or beds, providing flexibility in incorporating magnetic therapy into daily activities. They are often equipped with adjustable straps or fasteners to secure them in place.

Scientific evidence 

A study¹² conducted in 2022 evaluated the effect of magnetic treatment on complex treatments of patients with back pain at home. It was found that with the help of magnetic therapy, the effectiveness of treatment for back pain increased and the need for anti-inflammatory medications was reduced. 

Another study¹³ assessed the efficacy of static magnetic fields regarding its pain-relieving ability. Patients with chronic lumbar radicular pain had reduced pain levels after the use of magnetic therapy. Researchers also suggested that a larger and longer duration of magnetic therapy may be beneficial for patients with chronic lumbar radicular pain. 

Evidence has also suggested that with the use of electromagnetic therapy (PEMF),¹⁴ the level of low-back pain is reduced. Moreover, it may also provide additional pain relief alongside usual care and other treatments like physical therapy or pain medications. 

Other than that, static magnet therapy may also be beneficial for back pain as it was reported that applying magnetic tape to the affected area improved blood flow and reduced pain.¹⁵ 

Practical application 

Magnetic therapy is suggested to be safe to use. Studies have shown that there are little to no side effects from receiving magnetic therapy. However, there are several precautions¹⁶ when using magnetic therapy:

• Keep the magnets and magnetic devices away from children as they may swallow or inhale magnets in accidents.
• Some magnets may intervene with medical devices like pacemakers and insulin pumps.
• Magnets and magnetic therapy devices should be removed when having imaging procedures like X-rays, CT scans and MRIs.
• Always consult healthcare professionals before buying or using static magnets or electromagnets, especially for those who are pregnant and with other health problems. 

Summary 

To summarise, magnetic therapy can be helpful for back pain as it can improve blood flow and reduce pain. There are two types of magnetic therapy, static magnet therapy and electromagnetic therapy. Magnets can be incorporated into bracelets, mattresses and pads. Although it can be effective in reducing pain and increasing the effectiveness of other pain treatments, you should always consult a healthcare professional before using magnetic therapy.