Magnetic bracelets are popular among some people because it promises to help you in many ways. It is a part of the alternative medicine industry and the claims are high. Many of the products of the alternative medicine industry are dubious if not flat out untrue. Magnetic bracelets have been popular for a long time and they are considered a cure all. It is a hotly debated topic. Different people have different opinions about magnetic bracelets. Many people use magnetic bracelets for treating pain caused by arthritis and pain in the foot, heel, wrist, hip, knee and back.

How old is it?

Magnets have been used for medicinal purposes from the Renaissance period. At the time believers thought that magnets posits the living energy and by wearing a bracelet or piece of metabolic material would help them to fight disease and infections besides helping them to relieve chronic pain. However, with the advancements in medicine, people started to avoid magnets for treatment because better treatment options were discovered an invented. In the 1970s magnetic therapy enjoyed a resurgence because Albert Roy Davis, PhD, studied the impact of positive and negative charges on human biology. He also claimed that magnetic energy could kill malignant cells, relieve arthritis pain and also treat infertility.

Do they really work?

There are many research done on the benefits of magnetic bracelets and according to them this doesn't work. There is very little evidence that magnetic bracelets have any future in pain management. Studies could not find any truth in the claims made about magnetic bracelets. A 2007 review of research found that magnetic bracelets are not effective at treating pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Another study done in 2013 found that both magnetic and copper wrist bands have no effect on pain management than placebos. The bracelets are tested for effects on pain, inflammation and physical function. According to the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), static magnets like bracelets do not work. Such scientific studies warn people not to use magnetic bracelets as a replacement of medical treatment and support.

Are the dangerous?

Most of the magnets which are sold as pain relief are made from either pure metal such as iron or copper or alloys or mixtures of metals or metal and non-metal. The strength of such magnets is between 300 and 5,000 gauss. This is nowhere near or strong as the magnetic force of magnets. They are generally safe but such magnetic devices can be dangerous for some people with some specific conditions. If you are using a pacemaker or insulin pump, you should not use a magnetic bracelet because may cause interference.

Even though magnetic bracelets are very popular among some people, scientific studies have not found any proof of the claims. Magnetic bracelets are not effective in treating chronic pain, disease, inflammation and general health problems. You can should not use magnets as a replacement for medical treatment and you should also avoid it completely if you have a pacemaker or insulin pump. Be careful while using it if you want to use it at all. You can completely avoid it and there won't be any problem with your health because of not using it.

References

1. Relieve Yourself Of Pain And Immobility In Just 7 Weeks Or Less
2. Problems of immobility and pain
3. Low Back Pain Fact Sheet