Magnetic Bracelets and their contribution to pain relief from Osteoarthritis

Can magnetic bracelets play a significant role in helping to reduce pain from Osteoarthritis?

There is a growing body of evidence to say yes.

Osteoarthritis – What Is It?

Osteoarthritis is a commonly described as the ‘wear and tear’ disease. It is a widespread degenerative disorder of joints characterized by loss of articular cartilage with thickening (sclerosis) of underlying bone. Some areas of bone may become porous with formation of bone ‘cysts’. Bony lumps can also form called osteophytes. Debilitating symptoms are varying degrees of pain, stiffness, discomfort, swelling around joints and restricted mobility. Most people over the age of 60 will present evidence of osteoarthritis via x rays. Approximately 15 per cent of the population have problems related to it. It is more common in women and is related to age, obesity, previous joint injury and previous joint deformity.

The UK Arthritis Research Council has a few interesting statistics

- More that 7 million adults in the UK have long-term health problems due to arthritis and related conditions.
- More than 2 million people visited their GP in the past year because of osteoarthritis.
- The number of people with osteoarthritis has risen over 10 years as the population ages and more people are seeking their GP’s help.
- At least 4.4 million people in the UK have x-ray evidence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis in their hands.
- At least 550,000 people in the UK have x-ray evidence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis in their knees.
- At least 210,000 people in the UK have x-ray evidence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis in their knees.
- The cost of drugs prescriptions was £341 million in the year 2000.
- The cost of GP consultations was £307 million in the year 2000.

Since osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, the damage of joints has shown to be irreversible. The medical profession has no cure. Medical treatment is with NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and analgesics (painkillers).

Alternative Approaches To Treatment

Osteoarthritis sufferers have been seeking their own help and using other resources such as complementary medicine. These may include acupuncture, herbs, supplements and increasingly magnetic therapy and magnetic bracelets. What many arthritis sufferers are looking for with these alternative approaches are safe natural solutions that are drug free so there are no side effects, reasonable pricing and more importantly therapeutically effective. Magnetic therapy appears to fulfil many of these criteria and can work for many arthritic sufferers.

Magnetic Therapy and Magnetic Bracelets

Magnetic therapy is as the name suggests the therapeutic application of magnets, this includes products such as magnetic back, wrist, elbow, knee, ankle and shoulder wraps and supports. It also includes the application of block magnets, dot magnets and drinking magnetic water. Wearing a magnetic bracelet is part of the magnetic therapeutic approach. Scientists are now beginning to discover that magnetic therapy can have a beneficial affect on the human body. Like some aspects of medical science and complementary medicine magnetic therapy is not fully understood. Some mystery surrounds the subject, but initial research has started to indicate that the use of magnetic bracelets can play a useful role in reducing the debilitating symptoms of osteoarthritis.

This positive conclusion is not news to the millions of users of magnetic bracelets and other magnetic therapy products around the world who have accepted them as an additional therapeutic medium to help with the symptoms of osteoarthritis. For more information on the subject of magnetic therapy please visit our web site.

Magnetic Bracelet Research and Anecdotal Evidence

The increasing acceptance of the use of magnetic bracelets is due to two factors. Firstly the sheer weight of anecdotal evidence. Most people find their way to magnetic bracelets by the good reports of friends and family. Secondly, because of the positive feedback, the publicity and consistently great results, the scientific world has been prompted to investigate and research their efficacy.

In December 2004 the British Medical Journal (BMJ) published the results of a randomised controlled trial of magnetic bracelets for relieving pain in Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. The study involved 194 men and women aged between 45-80 years with Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. The patients wore one of three bracelets standard strength static neodymium magnetic bracelets, weak magnetic bracelets and non-magnetic (dummy) bracelets for twelve weeks.

The research results were very positive in that the evidence showed a beneficial effect of magnetic wrist bracelets on the pain of Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee and compared favourably with other drug treatments. The study had unresolved questions over the placebo effect (some participants guessed they had a standard (strong) bracelet) and indicated that further research was needed (See our Website for further details), but a significant conclusion was: ‘Whatever the mechanism, the benefit from magnetic bracelets seems clinically useful’.

How Do Magnetic Bracelets Work?

So why is it that a bracelet with magnets lying close to the main arteries in the wrist can reduce pain so far away such as in the knee, hip or back? There are various theories and hypothesis, some relate to alternative medical theory such as acupuncture points and meridians, others use a more modern medical scientific approach, it is very much a work in progress.

A popular view point says it’s all in the blood, and that the answer lies in the fact that healing works on a cellular level. Several studies have been done on the effects of magnetism at the cellular level. Nearly 1% of our blood is charged particles or ions. These ions can be affected by a magnetic field from good quality magnetic bracelets; the ions polarize creating an electric field which in turn creates a small induced electric current. Any ions that have attached themselves to the artery walls are freed by this weak current to flow back into the main stream. The small current increases the quantity of ions and the newly ionised blood circulates throughout the body improving oxygenation to the cells, thereby significantly contributing to the efficiency of the blood flow with the resultant healing effect.

The Future of Magnetic Bracelets

Research and anecdotal evidence indicates that magnetic bracelets can be very useful in reducing many of the debilitating symptoms of osteoarthritis. Further research is definitely needed to confirm some of the reported experiences and findings. Research is also needed to determine some of the key magnetic bracelet variables such as; minimum magnetic strength, magnet size and polarity.

A question arises about when or even if this research will ever be conducted, as most research is drug related and budgets are tight. It would be unfortunate if sufferers of osteoarthritis missed out on the potential pain relief benefits of magnetic bracelets while waiting for more research, unless off course we conduct our own personal research project by experimentation.

By Mel Epstein

Magnetic Bracelets and their contribution to pain relief from Osteoarthritis

Can magnetic bracelets play a significant role in helping to reduce pain from Osteoarthritis?

There is a growing body of evidence to say yes.

Osteoarthritis – What Is It?

Osteoarthritis is a commonly described as the ‘wear and tear’ disease. It is a widespread degenerative disorder of joints characterized by loss of articular cartilage with thickening (sclerosis) of underlying bone. Some areas of bone may become porous with formation of bone ‘cysts’. Bony lumps can also form called osteophytes. Debilitating symptoms are varying degrees of pain, stiffness, discomfort, swelling around joints and restricted mobility. Most people over the age of 60 will present evidence of osteoarthritis via x rays. Approximately 15 per cent of the population have problems related to it. It is more common in women and is related to age, obesity, previous joint injury and previous joint deformity.

The UK Arthritis Research Council has a few interesting statistics

- More that 7 million adults in the UK have long-term health problems due to arthritis and related conditions.
- More than 2 million people visited their GP in the past year because of osteoarthritis.
- The number of people with osteoarthritis has risen over 10 years as the population ages and more people are seeking their GP’s help.
- At least 4.4 million people in the UK have x-ray evidence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis in their hands.
- At least 550,000 people in the UK have x-ray evidence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis in their knees.
- At least 210,000 people in the UK have x-ray evidence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis in their knees.
- The cost of drugs prescriptions was £341 million in the year 2000.
- The cost of GP consultations was £307 million in the year 2000.

Since osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, the damage of joints has shown to be irreversible. The medical profession has no cure. Medical treatment is with NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and analgesics (painkillers).

Alternative Approaches To Treatment

Osteoarthritis sufferers have been seeking their own help and using other resources such as complementary medicine. These may include acupuncture, herbs, supplements and increasingly magnetic therapy and magnetic bracelets. What many arthritis sufferers are looking for with these alternative approaches are safe natural solutions that are drug free so there are no side effects, reasonable pricing and more importantly therapeutically effective. Magnetic therapy appears to fulfil many of these criteria and can work for many arthritic sufferers.

Magnetic Therapy and Magnetic Bracelets

Magnetic therapy is as the name suggests the therapeutic application of magnets, this includes products such as magnetic back, wrist, elbow, knee, ankle and shoulder wraps and supports. It also includes the application of block magnets, dot magnets and drinking magnetic water. Wearing a magnetic bracelet is part of the magnetic therapeutic approach. Scientists are now beginning to discover that magnetic therapy can have a beneficial affect on the human body. Like some aspects of medical science and complementary medicine magnetic therapy is not fully understood. Some mystery surrounds the subject, but initial research has started to indicate that the use of magnetic bracelets can play a useful role in reducing the debilitating symptoms of osteoarthritis.

This positive conclusion is not news to the millions of users of magnetic bracelets and other magnetic therapy products around the world who have accepted them as an additional therapeutic medium to help with the symptoms of osteoarthritis. For more information on the subject of magnetic therapy please visit our web site.

Magnetic Bracelet Research and Anecdotal Evidence

The increasing acceptance of the use of magnetic bracelets is due to two factors. Firstly the sheer weight of anecdotal evidence. Most people find their way to magnetic bracelets by the good reports of friends and family. Secondly, because of the positive feedback, the publicity and consistently great results, the scientific world has been prompted to investigate and research their efficacy.

In December 2004 the British Medical Journal (BMJ) published the results of a randomised controlled trial of magnetic bracelets for relieving pain in Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. The study involved 194 men and women aged between 45-80 years with Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. The patients wore one of three bracelets standard strength static neodymium magnetic bracelets, weak magnetic bracelets and non-magnetic (dummy) bracelets for twelve weeks.

The research results were very positive in that the evidence showed a beneficial effect of magnetic wrist bracelets on the pain of Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee and compared favourably with other drug treatments. The study had unresolved questions over the placebo effect (some participants guessed they had a standard (strong) bracelet) and indicated that further research was needed (See our Website for further details), but a significant conclusion was: ‘Whatever the mechanism, the benefit from magnetic bracelets seems clinically useful’.

How Do Magnetic Bracelets Work?

So why is it that a bracelet with magnets lying close to the main arteries in the wrist can reduce pain so far away such as in the knee, hip or back? There are various theories and hypothesis, some relate to alternative medical theory such as acupuncture points and meridians, others use a more modern medical scientific approach, it is very much a work in progress.

A popular view point says it’s all in the blood, and that the answer lies in the fact that healing works on a cellular level. Several studies have been done on the effects of magnetism at the cellular level. Nearly 1% of our blood is charged particles or ions. These ions can be affected by a magnetic field from good quality magnetic bracelets; the ions polarize creating an electric field which in turn creates a small induced electric current. Any ions that have attached themselves to the artery walls are freed by this weak current to flow back into the main stream. The small current increases the quantity of ions and the newly ionised blood circulates throughout the body improving oxygenation to the cells, thereby significantly contributing to the efficiency of the blood flow with the resultant healing effect.

The Future of Magnetic Bracelets

Research and anecdotal evidence indicates that magnetic bracelets can be very useful in reducing many of the debilitating symptoms of osteoarthritis. Further research is definitely needed to confirm some of the reported experiences and findings. Research is also needed to determine some of the key magnetic bracelet variables such as; minimum magnetic strength, magnet size and polarity.

A question arises about when or even if this research will ever be conducted, as most research is drug related and budgets are tight. It would be unfortunate if sufferers of osteoarthritis missed out on the potential pain relief benefits of magnetic bracelets while waiting for more research, unless off course we conduct our own personal research project by experimentation.

By Mel Epstein

Choosing A Magnetic Bracelet For Arthritis

Arthritis is a disease which affects numerous people. Arthritis is also a painful disease. Because of the pain and the amount of people arthritis afflicts; doctors and scientists are working diligently to create arthritis pain treatments and cures. Thanks to this ongoing research, there are numerous treatments given in order to aid in the relief of arthritis pain

A very simple arthritis pain management device is an arthritis bracelet. This form of arthritis pain treatment is quickly growing in the United States. Even though there has been an explosive growth in the use of arthritis bracelets, surprisingly a lot of arthritis sufferers don’t know about them.

What you should know about arthritis bracelets:

One particular thing you should know about arthritis bracelets, is there are different types. However, the scope of this article is to concentrate solely on the magnetic arthritis bracelet.

The credibility of the effectiveness of magnetic bracelets has long been supported by folk medicine and holistic healers. In recent years Western medicine has begun to accept more and more natural healing methods. Because of this trend, a growing number of people are giving non-traditional Western medical methods a try. Magnetic bracelets are no exception. Magnetic bracelets are growing in popularity and use among people in the United States.

There has been some recent authentic research which concludes magnetic bracelets can be used as an effective arthritis pain treatment method. This research was conducted by a team of British researchers. They wanted to test whether magnetic bracelets were effective in treating arthritis pain, or if they were useless. They did find at the end of the twelve week study, that the magnetic bracelets helped to reduce the pain of the wearers as opposed to those who were given a “dummy” bracelet.

There is one precaution to the study, weak magnetic bracelets had little to no effect on their wearers, just as the “dummy” bracelets did. Be sure to have a strong magnetic bracelet. Make sure the field is between 170 and 200 mTesla.

By Jason Elliot

Magnetic Bracelets Attract Attention

Many people can literally feel the winter chill in their bones and joints. The cold weather and added stress of winter can cause stiff joints to be even more sore, making it difficult to complete everyday chores. But sufferers of such symptoms now have an alternative option that may help alleviate aggravating pain. Magnet therapy offers a new option of treatment that many people say has helped ease their aches and pains. It's a form of therapy that has been used for thousands of years around the world - and is still being used today.

One of the earliest records of humans using the healing qualities of magnets comes from the 111 Century B.C., when the great Aristotle documented his findings on the healing effects of magnets. The fascination with magnets continued into the 1600's when William Gilbert, Queen Elizabeth's doctor, wrote an entire book devoted to the qualities of magnets. Centuries have since passed, but the belief some have in the healing powers of magnets remains.

Sabona of London, the leader in manufacturing and selling of copper and copper magnetic wristbands, is taking advantage of this trend by introducing a new line of magnetic bracelets, the Executive Series. The new line of jewelry not only possesses an attractive and traditional style, but contains a set of magnets that many believe can help relieve the pain of stiff and sore joints. The magnetic theory revolves around the premise that magnets affect the circulatory system and the blood flow in the body. The increased circulation gives the body more of the nutrients it needs from the blood.

The new line of bracelets for men and women are linked pieces plated in gold, silver, or both metals, with a magnet in each link that purports to restore electro-magnetic balance to human cells.

This therapy, now known as bioelectromagnetic therapy is believed to be a way of accessing the body's own electric and magnetic fields through points on the skin.

Some researchers believe that certain types of illnesses are associated with imbalances in the body's biological and magnetic fields. Products such as the Executive Series bracelets are aimed at treating conditions such as joint and muscle pain. Some joint pain is caused by similar, repeated movements of a joint. Golfers, who often experience this kind of pain due to the repetitive motion of their swing, have turned to Sabona in hopes of finding relief from their symptoms. The Executive Series, which was introduced at the International PGA show in Las Vegas, has been a popular choice. Pro golfer Justin Leonard, who began wearing a Sabona copper bracelet after sustaining an injury, has found relief from Sabona's jewelry. "I have worn a Sabona for several years and I believe that it has helped me," Leonard said.

While consulting with your doctor is the best way to begin treating stiff and sore joints and aches and pains, magnetic bracelets may offer an alternative solution to the pain through the chilly winter season and the rest of the year.

Important: Copper wristbands and magnetic products are considered to be unproven remedies. Magnetic products should not be worn next to a watch. Do not use magnet products during pregnancy or if you have an electrical implant such as a pacemaker. Consult with your doctor if you have any questions and continue with regular medical care.

Courtesy of ARA Conten

Article Posted: 2004

Magnetic Bracelet Used in Research Study Now in United States

At the end of 2004 results from a study on arthritis patients in the UK was published in the British Medical Journal.

It stated that it had found positive pain reliving results using a magnetic bracelet. This was an independent study, which has been widely reported in publications and on the Internet.

The study did not name the product but it was the Bioflow Magnetic Bracelet that was used and until now it has only been available from sources in Europe. Now it is in the USA for the first time, which gives American consumers a higher level of protection if the product does not live up to expectations.

In the study 194 men and women aged 45 to 80 suffering pain caused by osteoarthritis of the hip and knee were split into three groups.

Two groups were given non-magnetic or low magnetic bracelets. They felt little change in their condition.

But those given a Bioflow magnetic bracelet felt a significant reduction in pain. Changes in pain were recorded using a recognized pain-scoring scale.

No one in the study knew which type of bracelet they were wearing.

The Arthritis Research Campaign of Great Britain funded the study

"Pain from osteoarthritis of the hip and knee does decrease when wearing magnetic bracelets" researchers said. They added "the magnetic bracelet appears to be free of side affects, unlike pain relievers, which are associated with gastrointestinal problems and, for certain drugs, heart attacks and strokes".

"Magnets are appealing because osteoarthritis is a chronic condition for which our treatments are unsatisfactory" Dr Tim Harlow, head of the research team said. "On the strength of the evidence I am prepared to recommend these static magnets to people with osteoarthritis".

The study took place over a 12-week period at Peninsular Hospital, Plymouth, England

The BMJ insists on a high level of integrity in any trial they publish. For full details of the report go to www.bmj.com

While the FDA in the United States has not approved the use of static magnets for the relief of magnetic pain they do not warn against it. In a 1999 study of patients it was found 18% had used magnetic or copper devices to relieve pain. It was estimated then that Americans spent $500 million per year on such products making this the second most popular alternative therapy for pain relief after chiropractic.

The FDA goes on to say that in the studies that did find benefits from magnetic therapy, many have shown those benefits very quickly. This suggests that if a magnet does work, it should not take very long for the user to start noticing the effect. Therefore, people may wish to purchase magnets with a 30-day return policy and return the product if they do not get satisfactory results within 1 to 2 weeks.

Given this advice it is understandable Americans would be a little wary about buying the Bioflow magnetic bracelet from a source in Europe. Now there is a company that has a stock in California and is offering a full 90-day money back guarantee.

By Lee Strong

Magnetic Clasp Bracelet - Your Jewelry Fits Right And Stays Secure

The good thing about a magnetic clasp bracelet is that you put it on and it stays on. Since you're most likely aiming to treat some muscle, joint and tendon problems in your arms and wrists, it's only fair that you look for one bracelet that fits right and stays secure. There are several varieties available today at designated shops and jewelers. Here's how to find the right piece for you.

The Magnetic Clasp

The clasp of the bracelet itself is magnetic and can give anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 gauss as needed by the wearer. You may also choose to increase the strength of the magnetic field by adding more magnets to the design or choosing a larger clasp. The clasps usually are equipped with safety snap to make sure that your jewelry stays on as needed without any risk of accidental snapping or losing. The mechanism is very convenient since you can easily take off the bracelet if you're taking a shower or going for a swim although everything usually is waterproof.

There are different types of magnetic clasps available depending on the style and design you need. Lobster and spring clasps are very traditional which has an adjustable hooking device that snaps on a loop or ring at the opposite end of the bracelet. These are harder to close however since fixing the lobster or spring requires steady small fingers with semi-grown nails. Newer models use a quick and easy latch-on mechanism wherein a rigged portion of one end of the bracelet perfectly fits and locks onto the miniature bars uniquely set at the opposite end. These are all magnetized as well so you get to double the security as the two opposite ends attract to each other.

Can the Clasps Heal?

Magnetic therapy or the use of magnetic bracelets and other jewelry for the purpose of pain and inflammation relief has been quite popular in recent years. First and foremost, magnetic clasps are not intended to medically treat individuals with chronic problems in their muscles and joints. The magnetic clasp bracelets specifically are intended to help hold the ends of the jewelry in addition to the clasp mechanism for added security. Take note that strengths of the magnetic clasps are kept only at minimal or regular intensities so that they merely attract to each other. The size of the clasps is also relatively small to produce any significant effects on affected areas.

The Real Healing Magnets

It would be a better idea to introduce solid magnetic materials that have higher strengths and can cover a broader area if you expect results. Gold, silver, copper, stainless steel and titanium are the usual metals that are magnetized with magnetic fields ranging as much as 20,000 to 30,000 gauss. Hematite beads are also said to have positive magnetic effects. You will see a variety of designs featuring these metals together with magnetic clasps. Basically, the magnetic clasp is very affordable and you can get these for as low as $4.50 depending on the design and material.

Too Much Magnet

There are no known side effects on applying very high amounts of magnetic force to your body. Just be sure that you keep other sensitive items like watches and compasses away. People with metal pins and plates surgically placed inside their bodies should consult their doctor first before application. A magnetic clasp bracelet is intended to add security to the piece so that it stays in place for as long as you expect it to. You may also find cheap materials like plastic, wooden and glass beads, silicone and other plastics made into bracelets but still using magnetic clasps to make them very easy and secure to wear.

By Susan Barcelon