# MAGNETIC THERAPY.......Does it work? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [November 29, 2003, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972 "2003-11-29T22:19:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![FreeHomes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/48db29/32.png) [@FreeHomes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FreeHomes)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/1 "2003-11-29T22:19:08Z")
Greetings, Looking for pro and cons on magnetic health therapy results, or non results. No Nikken responses please, I want users only, not sales hype. Thanks, Mike ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/2 "2003-11-29T22:29:14Z")
It’s utter quackery. [http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/QA/magnet.html](http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/QA/magnet.html) QtM, MD ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/3 "2003-11-29T22:33:40Z")
What’s a “Nikken” response, dare I ask? And I’m firmly in the “bunk” camp. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/4 "2003-11-29T23:02:44Z")
Nikken are the guys who make the “definitive” magnetic underwear. If magnetic therapy worked, then people would come out seriously warped from an MRI. Which they don’t. **Qadgop the Mercotan** provided the definitive link. ---
**Author:** ![EasyPhil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e47c2d/32.png) [@EasyPhil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EasyPhil)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/5 "2003-11-29T23:04:21Z")
The “real” answer lies in tracking down some real research that may or may not be found on the internet. **Qadgo the Mercotan** , I hope you’re not hanging your hat on this based on that link. Here’s a link that claims the oppostie: [http://www.biomagnetic.org/case%20study.html](http://www.biomagnetic.org/case%20study.html) ---
**Author:** ![constantpeace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/85e7bf/32.png) [@constantpeace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/constantpeace)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/6 "2003-11-29T23:06:39Z")
Didn’t work for me. My neighbor was a Nikken dealer and I bought a mattress pad - it did nothing and it was uncomfortable as hell. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/7 "2003-11-29T23:18:04Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by EasyPhil \* > \*\*The “real” answer lies in tracking down some real research that may or may not be found on the internet. **Qadgo the Mercotan** , I hope you’re not hanging your hat on this based on that link. Here’s a link that claims the oppostie: > > [http://www.biomagnetic.org/case%20study.html](http://www.biomagnetic.org/case%20study.html) \*\* That is like comparing apples and oranges, the proponents of Magnetic therapy are not into bone healing: [http://www.todaysseniors.com/health/magnets.shtml](http://www.todaysseniors.com/health/magnets.shtml) > [@](#): > > Therapeutic permanent magnets are popular for a variety of muscle and joint pains. And a media campaign promoting the use of permanent magnets for the treatment of pain has resulted in worldwide sales of $5 billion. But doctors doubt the effectiveness of magnets. Now a VA Hospital study found magnets had no effect for treatment of chronic low back pain. Dr. Edward A. Collacott, M.D., of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Prescott, Ariz., and coworkers studied 20 patients with chronic low back pain for an average of 19 months. All were treated with therapeutic magnets, then placebo (sham) magnets. The researchers report in a recent issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association that there was no statistically significant difference between the patients wearing the placebo magnets and patients wearing the real magnets. ---
**Author:** ![Azael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a8b319/32.png) [@Azael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Azael)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/8 "2003-11-29T23:18:47Z")
With regard to EasyPhil’s cite, am I the only one who finds a case study involving only a single patient somewhat unconvincing? Not to mention some of the resources used for the paper… \*Balliett, S. (1996). The complete guide to biomagnetic therapy: everything you need to know to create protocols, provide therapy & document outcomes. Lyons, CO. :Lazuli Press. Balliett, S. (1996). First aid with magnets. Lyons, CO.: Lazuli Press. Philpott, W. & Taplin, S. (1990). Biomagnetic handbook: a guide to medical magnetics the energy medicine of tomorrow. Choctaw,OK.: Enviro-Tech Products. \* I wonder if anyone out there is familiar with these people and how their work is regarded. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/9 "2003-11-29T23:21:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by EasyPhil \* > \*\*The “real” answer lies in tracking down some real research that may or may not be found on the internet. **Qadgo the Mercotan** , I hope you’re not hanging your hat on this based on that link. Here’s a link that claims the oppostie: > > [http://www.biomagnetic.org/case%20study.html](http://www.biomagnetic.org/case%20study.html) \*\* To quote from this “case study” > [@](#): > > Intact bone cells have a weak magnetization with both positive and negative magnetic fields. However, when a bone breaks it becomes like two repelling magnets. If it is left to heal naturally the fractured ends resist one another and the bone does not heal together smoothly, leaving the fractured sightly misaligned. Does anyone whose scientific knowledge extends beyond first grade see the mistake? And nice spelling for a “medical” paper. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/10 "2003-11-29T23:28:13Z")
**Azasel** This is just using memory, so dont take my word for it: I have seen before reports on the bone healing properties of magnets, but they have disadvantages. AFAIKR to work, the things have to be implanted, removal of the magnet is a problem. Magnetic therapy OTOH, pretends to deal with pain and other ailments, on that, there is no evidence that it works. ---
**Author:** ![EasyPhil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e47c2d/32.png) [@EasyPhil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EasyPhil)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/11 "2003-11-29T23:34:01Z")
Like I said, one would need to track down some real research to make an assesment on the usefulness of magnets. Having said that I’ll offer up this to keep the debate going: [http://www.garynull.com/Documents/magnets.htm#67](http://www.garynull.com/Documents/magnets.htm#67) ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/12 "2003-11-29T23:45:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by EasyPhil \* > \*\*Like I said, one would need to track down some real research to make an assesment on the usefulness of magnets. Having said that I’ll offer up this to keep the debate going: > > [http://www.garynull.com/Documents/magnets.htm#67](http://www.garynull.com/Documents/magnets.htm#67) \*\* I must get some of the stuff those guys are selling > [@](#): > > **Bipolar Magnets for Those with Infections and Cancer** People with cancer or any sort of infection, like candida, fungi, viruses, or bacteria, should avoid exposure to bipolar magnets. As we’ve mentioned, many believe from their observations and clinical experiences that the south pole accelerates the growth of cancer cells, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Not all practitioners and manufacturers agree, but until the research proves otherwise, it is prudent to err on the side of caution, and only use products with north-facing magnetic fields. Those magnetic monopoles should be _really_ interesting. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2003, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/13 "2003-11-29T23:54:07Z")
Look at the small print: > [@](#): > > Note: The information on this website is not a substitute for > diagnosis and treatment by a qualified, licensed professional. Well then, what is he qualified for? Oh oh! looks like he is into denying AIDS is caused by a virus!: [http://www.garynull.com/Books/books.aspx](http://www.garynull.com/Books/books.aspx) I will leave the debunking of magnets for others, but him being a proponent of dangerous quackery is worrisome. And he is a doctor? ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2003, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/14 "2003-11-30T02:47:27Z")
Thanks, **easyphil**. But after reviewing your link, I’ll stick with my resources. They seem much more credible to me. Your cite, Mr. Null, made some interesting statements about magnets and health which led me to conclude further pursuit into his writings would be no longer fruitful. To wit: North (Negative) Pole Relieves pain Reduces swelling Promotes tissue alkalinization Promotes sound, restful sleep Increases tissue oxygenation Calms the nervous system Assists in relief of addictive tendencies South (Positive) Pole Accelerates growth indiscriminately Increases swelling Promotes tissue acidity Decreases tissue oxygenation Makes sleep less sound and restful Promotes anxiety ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2003, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/15 "2003-11-30T02:49:09Z")
BTW, I note Mr. Null also sells chocolate at his website. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2003, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/16 "2003-11-30T02:57:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tapioca Dextrin \* > \*\*Those magnetic monopoles should be _really_ interesting. \*\* In case anyone didn’t realise the sarcasm, magnetic monopoles do not exist. [All magnets have both a North and a South pole](http://physicsweb.org/article/news/7/10/2). Anyone who claims otherwise is either a fraud or will be winning a Nobel prize very soon. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2003, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/17 "2003-11-30T02:58:54Z")
:smack: Magnetic Monopoles do not exist. [http://physicsweb.org/article/news/7/10/2](http://physicsweb.org/article/news/7/10/2) ---
**Author:** ![edwino](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@edwino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwino)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2003, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/18 "2003-11-30T05:34:13Z")
Oooh I can’t believe I’m the first: [http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a990618a.html](http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a990618a.html) Anyway, I think Unca Cecil’s point that it is impossible to actually blind the study ruins all scientific evaluation of magnets healing pain. The first thing a person in a magnet study does is goes and holds the hunk of metal up to their refrigerator. If it doesn’t stick, and they know they have been assigned a placebo treatment, I think it becomes difficult to fairly evaluate pain relief. I actually have been taught by the guy (Vallbona) who purported to show that they did work. He was really good at teaching me how to read an EKG. Perhaps not so good at design of a scientific study. ---
**Author:** ![Testy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c37758/32.png) [@Testy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Testy)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2003, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/19 "2003-11-30T06:18:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tapioca Dextrin \* > \*\*I must get some of the stuff those guys are selling > > Those magnetic monopoles should be _really_ interesting. \*\* I think I’d prefer some of whatever they’re **smoking.** Regars Testy ---
**Author:** ![Ryle\_Dup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Ryle\_Dup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryle_Dup)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2003, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972/20 "2003-11-30T09:07:42Z")
Small magnets are most likely not going to do anything. But I know large magnets definatley have an effect. I tried this treatment on a PAP-IMI machine, it’s this large white box that has a long looped coil you place on your muscles, it generates a huge magnetic pulse or whatever, you can feel it JOLT your muscle, I mean, it actually moves, its quite warm too. I know, anecdotal, but I can’t remember the website for this thing. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972.md?page=2)