Based in Kissimmee, Fla., Barb Nefer is a freelance writer with more than 20 years' experience. She is also a mental health counselor and travel agency owner. Her work has appeared in such magazines as "The Writer," "Animal Wellness," "SuperVision," "Bird Talk," "SpeciaLiving" and "Twins."
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Natural CuresOverview
Many arthritis pain suffers say they get relief by wearing magnetic bracelets. There is some scientific evidence to back up the effectiveness of these bracelets, but other studies show that they're no more effective than a placebo. It's important to know the facts so you can make your own judgment about using magnetic bracelets for health-related purposes.
Purpose
The main health benefit of magnetic bracelets is said to be an ability to reduce arthritis pain. They are commonly marketed for this purpose. Promoters claim that these bracelets improve health by increasing blood circulation, reducing inflammation in arthritis-striken areas and reducing the accompanying pain. An arthritis sufferer simply wears the bracelet in close proximity to the affected area to receive the health benefits. Bracelets can be purchased online or at shops that sell natural health aids.
Benefits
According to Wellsphere, magnetic bracelets give health benefits and relieve arthritis pain by improving an affected person's blood circulation. Arthritis negatively affects blood flow, which means that circulation is poor and there isn't enough oxygen in the problem area to decrease the inflammation. A magnetic bracelet has a negative magnet, This promotes circulation in affected areas, which have a positive polarity. With more blood comes more oxygen, reducing the inflammation and lessening the pain.
Research
Scientific research supports the health benefits and pain-relieving abilities of magnetic bracelets. According to the "British Medical Journal", one study showed that a strongly magnetic bracelet (170 mTesla or greater) relieved osteoarthritis pain of the knee or hip when compared to weakly magnetic bracelets or placebos with no magnets at all. Studies at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and a multi-center study spearheaded by a researcher from New York Medical College had similar results.
Types
Magnetic bracelets to be used for health benefits are available in a wide variety of types and styles, from plain silver bands to patterned, bead-covered or jewel-studded ornamental pieces. Prices start at about $25 for a basic magnetic bracelet and can run over $100 or more for the most elaborate designs. All magnetic bracelets, no matter what they look like, perform the same function because they all contain the same type of magnet.
Warning
According to Dr. Stephen Barrett in an article on QuackWatch, the studies that show magnet bracelets to be an effective pain reliever had design flaws that affected their results. Dr. Barrett believes that the bracelets do not have any health benefits. He cites other studies at the Mayo Clinic, an Arizona Veterans Adminstration medical center and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, that showed no pain relieving benefit at all. Dr. Barrett also cites several regulatory actions between 1999 and 2002 in which manufacturers and sellers of magnetic bracelets have been forced to stop making claims of specific medical benefits.
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