Magnet therapy for fibromyalgia is one of many alternative fibromyalgia treatments that is becoming increasingly popular. However, while this latest treatment is being used more and more to treat many of the common symptoms of fibromyalgia, there is still controversy regarding magnet therapy’s efficacy in treating fibromyalgia syndrome.
But what exactly is magnet therapy and how can it help minimize fibromyalgia symptoms?
What is Magnet Therapy?
Magnet therapy is a form of alternative treatment that uses the energy and electrical currents of magnets in order to promote overall physical and mental healing through the stimulation of cells.
Magnet therapy can range from treatment sessions using specialized electromagnetic equipment in a hospital setting to using magnetic devices such as magnetic mattresses, pillows and jewelry for everyday living therapy.
An ancient Chinese practice, magnets were also used in a variety of treatments in ancient Greece in order to treat ailments, illnesses and other conditions.
What Conditions Can Magnet Therapy Help to Treat?
Magnet therapy is believed to help a variety of conditions and diseases – many of which are linked to fibromyalgia – including the following:
- widespread pain
- chronic back pain
- arthritis
- cancer
- muscle tension
- depression
Magnet Therapy and Fibromyalgia
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Virginia found that participants with fibromyalgia benefited from magnet therapy.
The study included 94 patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and analyzed the effectiveness of different types of magnet therapy in treating symptoms of this condition. These individuals were divided into four groups: one that was administered whole body therapy with low magnetic field; one that was given magnet therapy with varying intensity; one that slept on magnetic pads but that did not receive magnet therapy; and one that followed their normal pain treatment regimen and who did not receive magnet therapy.
According to the study, individuals that were part of the group that slept on pads with active magnets had overall lower pain intensity levels as well as a reduced number of tender points after 6 months of therapy.
Does Magnet Therapy Work?
Overall, study results are contradictory with regard to the efficacy of magnet therapy. In comparison to the study outlined above, a separate study found that there was little difference between magnets and placebos in alleviating the present symptoms.
Is Magnet Therapy Safe?
Currently, the FDA has not approved magnet therapy as treatment for any medical condition. You should always speak to your health care professional prior to undergoing magnet therapy.
In addition, if use a pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator or any other medical device that can be adversely affected by magnets, you should not use magnet therapy.
The long-term effects of magnet therapy are not yet known; however, some researchers believe that seizures may be possible.
Cost of Magnet Therapy
On average, the cost of a magnetic therapy session ranges from $160 to $200 per session.
Magnetic mattresses cost from between $200 to $500 while magnetic pillows are usually $100. Magnetic jewelry, such as bracelets, range in price from $15 to $100.