BIOMAGNETICS IN THE TREATMENT OF HUMAN PAIN - PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

By Robert R. Holcomb, M.D., Ph.D., Robert A. Parker, D.Sc., Melvie S. Harrison, R.N., BSN

ABSTRACT

A 2x2 randomized double-blind cross-over study was done to assess the efficacy of the MagnaBloc™ in reducing low back and knee pain in 54 patients at two centers. The MagnaBloc™ is a magnetic treatment device which contains a quadripolar permanent magnet system.
Pain was assessed using visual analog scale, ranging from zero (no pain) to 100 (maximal pain). Prior to any treatment the average pain rating was 52.9 + 23.3 points (mean + standard deviation). With treatment, the MagnaBloc™ reduced pain by an average of 8.11 + 3.38 points more than did the placebo treatment (P= 0.030).
If confirmed, this would suggest that the MagnaBloc™ is effective in reducing chronic low back and knee pain. biomagnetic therapy, magnetics, pain-therapeutics, cross-over study.

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of chronic pain is not known. It is wide spread and is in many ways the single worst symptom for a patient to suffer. Data from a variety of sources suggests that annually in the United States and many other industrialized nations, between 25 and 30% of the population have chronic pain.1 In addition to the pain itself, it affects the patient’s mood, ability to function, to work, and personal and family life.
Since earliest recorded history, legions of physicians and other healing professionals have applied numerous treatments to prevent, alleviate, or cure the cause of pain. Often these attempts to ease pain and suffering were ineffectual. These treatments have included the use of magnetics.
Such devices were used as early as the 16th century, when William Gilbert (1544-1603) of Colchester used magnetics to treat Elizabeth I of England. Gilbert's classic book De Ma2net remains a landmark in the history of science because of its recognition of a difference between static electricity and magnetism.2 The use of magnetic devices is currently viewed, with skepticism. It seems likely that the Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815) is the main reason for this attitude.
The proponent of a theory of "animal magnetism," he soon was the subject of debate in every European capital. It is most important to note that the debate was at least as much about him personally as about his theories. His magnetic institute was investigated by a special commission of the French medical establishment. His work was ultimately debunked and Mesmer lost all credibility. Because of the cloud over Mesmer's work, other work in the therapeutic use of magnets has been ignored.

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