Magnets for Pain Relief: What You Should Know
What Types of Magnets Are Used for Pain?
Magnets and magnetic-based therapies have been used for centuries to address pain conditions such as arthritis and headaches. Today, magnetic devices are widely marketed, most often for pain relief, inflammation, and wound support. Two main categories of magnets have been researched for pain management:
• Static (permanent) magnets: These are made from metals or metal alloys and continuously emit a magnetic field. Their strength can vary from low to high, but the field does not fluctuate. In static magnetic therapy, magnets are placed on or near the painful area in hopes of easing discomfort or supporting healing. They are commonly embedded in wristbands, braces, jewelry, mattress pads, cushions, or wraps that sit against the skin. Scientific research on static magnets for pain is limited, and there is no clear, consistent evidence showing they are effective for any specific pain condition.
• Electromagnets: These devices generate magnetic fields when an electric current passes through a coil. Unlike static magnets, their magnetic intensity can vary. Health-related electromagnetic therapies include pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) and related techniques such as repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation. Research suggests that certain forms of electromagnetic therapy may reduce pain and improve physical function in some musculoskeletal and osteoarthritis conditions, although findings are not uniform. Overall, electromagnetic therapies appear to have a favorable safety profile.
Is Magnetic Therapy Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?
Some forms of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy have received FDA approval for specific medical uses. These include promoting healing in fractures that fail to mend with standard treatment and reducing post-surgical pain and swelling in superficial soft tissues. A specialized form of magnetic therapy called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is also FDA-approved for certain conditions such as severe migraines, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. TMS works by stimulating targeted areas of the brain with magnetic pulses. These approved applications are considered part of conventional medical practice and are distinct from over-the-counter magnetic products marketed for pain.
Do Magnets Help With Pain?
Current research does not provide strong support for static magnets in relieving pain. There is, however, some evidence that electromagnetic therapies may offer benefits for certain painful conditions.
Electromagnetic therapy
A 2020 review of 21 studies involving 1,101 participants examined electromagnetic therapy for musculoskeletal pain. The analysis found reductions in pain and improvements in function across several conditions, including knee osteoarthritis, shoulder impingement, chronic neck pain, low-back pain, fibromyalgia, patellofemoral knee pain, plantar fasciitis, and hand osteoarthritis. Most studies compared active treatment with a sham procedure. Combining electromagnetic therapy with other physical treatments—such as heat packs, ultrasound, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)—did not appear to provide additional benefit beyond electromagnetic therapy alone.
Static magnet therapy
A 2021 review of seven studies (576 participants) evaluated static magnets for conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, sciatica, fibromyalgia, heel pain, pelvic pain, neck and shoulder pain, and wrist or forearm pain. Results were inconsistent: four studies reported pain improvement, while three did not. Variations in magnet strength and duration of use may explain these mixed findings.
Osteoarthritis
Electromagnetic therapy
Electromagnetic therapy may serve as a complementary approach for some osteoarthritis symptoms, although results vary by joint and outcome measured.
• A 2020 review of 15 studies (985 participants) reported reduced pain and improved stiffness and physical function in people with osteoarthritis of the knee, hand, neck, or ankle. However, overall quality of life did not significantly change.
• A 2018 review of 12 studies (385 participants) found that electromagnetic therapy improved pain and function in knee and hand osteoarthritis, but not in the neck. Sessions shorter than 30 minutes appeared more beneficial than longer treatments.
Static magnet therapy
There is no convincing evidence that static magnets effectively relieve osteoarthritis pain.
Fibromyalgia
Evidence supporting magnetic therapy for fibromyalgia is limited and generally weak. A 2021 narrative review of four studies (312 participants) concluded that there is insufficient proof to determine whether magnetic therapies reduce fibromyalgia pain. Two small studies suggested that 30-minute electromagnetic sessions, given two to three times weekly for several weeks, reduced pain. However, the largest study found no meaningful benefit from PEMF. A trial of static magnetic mattress pads used for six months also failed to demonstrate significant pain relief.
Low-Back Pain
Electromagnetic therapy
Some research indicates that PEMF therapy may reduce chronic low-back pain. A 2022 review of 14 studies (618 participants) found that PEMF applied for 1 to 12 weeks, several days per week, decreased pain levels. Benefits were observed even when PEMF was combined with usual medical care, physical therapy, or medication.
Static magnet therapy
Evidence is sparse. A small 2021 pilot study (22 participants) suggested that magnetic tape applied to the lower back improved blood flow and reduced reported pain, but larger studies are needed.
Shoulder Pain
Electromagnetic therapy
Available studies do not show meaningful benefit. A 2016 review of four trials (168 participants) found PEMF ineffective for rotator cuff–related shoulder pain, whether used alone or alongside exercise therapy. A 2021 study similarly reported no added advantage when PEMF was combined with standard physical therapy.
Static magnet therapy
No recent evidence is available regarding static magnets for shoulder pain.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Electromagnetic therapy
Research is limited and mixed. A 2021 review of two small studies (70 participants) found that one showed no reduction in pain or swelling, while another reported improvements in pain and limb function after 10 consecutive days of a specific PEMF method.
Static magnet therapy
No recent studies have evaluated static magnets for this condition.
Mouth and Jaw Pain
Electromagnetic therapy
No recent studies have examined electromagnetic therapy for oral or jaw pain.
Static magnet therapy
Limited research exists. A small 2012 study (79 participants) found that five minutes of static magnetic exposure reduced pain in temporomandibular disorders, but not in other oral conditions. Long-term effects were not assessed.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain
Electromagnetic therapy
No recent research has focused on electromagnetic therapy for carpal tunnel–related pain.
Static magnet therapy
A small 2018 study (22 participants) reported that six weeks of static magnet use did not significantly relieve carpal tunnel pain.
Menstrual Pain
Electromagnetic therapy
A 2020 study (40 participants) compared PEMF with aerobic exercise in adolescents and young women with dysmenorrhea. After four weeks, PEMF sessions (15–25 minutes, three times weekly) led to greater reductions in menstrual pain and improved quality of life compared with exercise alone.
Static magnet therapy
No recent studies have examined static magnets for menstrual pain.
Cancer and Chemotherapy-Related Pain
Research on magnetic therapy for cancer-related pain is limited and generally of low quality.
Electromagnetic therapy
A 2018 review of two small studies (64 participants) found no significant benefit of PEMF for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Static magnet therapy
A 2020 study (60 participants) involving people with advanced lung cancer found that three weeks of rotating static magnetic therapy did not significantly reduce chemotherapy-related pain.
Multiple Sclerosis and Paresthesia Pain
Electromagnetic therapy
A small 2016 study (63 participants) found that twice-weekly PEMF sessions over 60 days reduced paresthesia-related pain in people with multiple sclerosis. Some improvement was also observed after 30 days.
Static magnet therapy
No recent research has evaluated static magnets for paresthesia pain in multiple sclerosis.
Are Magnets Safe to Use for Pain?
Both static and electromagnetic therapies are generally considered safe when used appropriately. Most studies report few or no significant side effects, even among people with chronic conditions.
However, safety precautions are important:
• Small magnets can be dangerous if swallowed or inhaled, particularly by children.
• Magnets may interfere with medical devices such as pacemakers or insulin pumps.
• Individuals who are pregnant or who have underlying health conditions should consult a health care provider before use.
• Magnetic jewelry or devices should be removed before undergoing MRI scans.
• Magnetic products should not replace professional medical evaluation or treatment for ongoing pain or other health concerns.
For More Information
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Key References
A selection of systematic reviews, clinical trials, and scientific analyses has examined magnetic therapies for pain, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, fibromyalgia, chemotherapy-related neuropathy, and other conditions. These references include peer-reviewed journal articles and federal health agency reports evaluating the effectiveness and safety of static and electromagnetic therapies.
Other References
Additional publications explore related topics such as magnetic field biology, rehabilitation approaches, safety considerations, and complementary therapy research across a range of medical conditions.
Acknowledgments
This content has been reviewed by scientific experts and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not replace professional medical advice or treatment. Decisions about health care should always be made in consultation with a qualified health care provider.
This material is in the public domain and may be freely shared.
