How are magnets used within conventional medicine?

The use of magnets for pain management and healing has long been associated with alternative therapy, otherwise known as complementary medicine. However, magnets do play a useful role in conventional medicine as well. For example, diagnostic scans such as ECGs (electrocardiograms) for the heart and EEGs (electroencephalograms) for the brain provide vital information to medical practitioners. MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, makes use of scanners with high powered magnetic fields in order to provide detailed images of interior body structures, without using radiation as in traditional X-rays.

Modern medical scientists are continuing to conduct research into further applications for magnets in patient treatment. There has been success in speeding the healing of bone fractures with the use of electromagnets, and this use was approved by the FDA as far back as 1979. Applications for magnets are being investigated in treatment of serious diseases of the nervous system such as the debilitating illness multiple sclerosis, which to date is considered incurable, and nerve injury as the result of diabetes.

While the use of magnets as a part of conventional Western medicine is not yet widespread the general philosophy seems to be that they are not harmful in most cases and may be worth looking into more deeply. Nevertheless, magnet therapy should never be accepted as a reason to avoid or delay conventional medical treatment. Individuals should consult with their family physician before beginning a course of magnet therapy. Do not use magnets if you have any sort of implanted electronic device (a pacemaker, defibrillator or insulin pump), or if you are pregnant. Click here for important information regarding magnets.