Static Magnetic Fields For The Treatment Of Pain

Therapeutic magnets constructed with permanent magnets that generate static magnetic fields have gained popularity in recent years. Federal authorities in the United States do not currently regulate sales. The marketed devices are not FDA approved. Nonetheless, there is a body of published data that supports potential therapeutic utility of static magnetic field--generating devices. This body of knowledge is critically reviewed here. Characterization of effective field metrics and mechanisms of interaction with biological substrates are incomplete. The design of magnetic placebos for masking in long-duration studies is essential. Current evidence suggests that there is merit in continuing to develop and test therapeutic magnetic devices.