Can Magnets Relieve Migraines?

New animal research suggests that a noninvasive therapy called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may help treat chronic migraines. The hair dryer-size device triggers activity in the brain’s nerve cells and is already being tested as a way to treat depression.

What happens during TMS is this: the electrical activity in the brain is influenced by a pulsed magnetic field generated through coils of wire. The wires are wrapped in plastic and held close to the scalp. The location of the device allows for stimulation of specific areas of the brain.

In earlier human research, TMS relieved pain more effectively than placebo in patients who had migraines with auras, which are visual sensations (such as flashes of light) that occur before or during the pain of a migraine.

In this latest study, presented at the annual American Academy of Neurology scientific meeting in Seattle, researchers aimed to learn exactly how TMS may affect the brain to improve pain symptoms.

The authors found that the magnetic pulses of TMS may disrupt abnormal brain waves that have been linked to migraines. However, the authors state that more research in humans is needed to fully understand how TMS affects chronic migraines.

“I think for migraine, it’s extremely likely that this [device] will become part of the therapeutic armamentarium,” said Dr. Richard Lipton, director of the Montefiore Headache Center in New York. “I think for some people who don’t like taking prescription medications … or for people who have side effects to these drugs, this will prove to be a very useful option.”

TMS has also been studied as a potential therapy for chronic or treatment-resistant depression. Some research suggests that therapy may down regulate beta-adrenergic receptors and subsequently increase the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain.

Instructions:

Step 1
Use magnets and magnetic therapy under the care and guidance of a doctor or expert. An expert can place the magnets correctly at the right strength in order to best treat migraine pain.

Step 2
Adhere magnets in place as soon the migraine warning signs begin and leave them on until the symptoms pass. You can also use certain magnets to prevent headaches on a daily basis.

Step 3
Place stick magnets on either side of the spine, between the shoulder blade and spine. Magnets should adhere to the areas of the spine 1 to 2 inches above the bottom of your shoulder blade, 1 inch from the top of the shoulder blade and on the back of the shoulder above the shoulder blade.

Step 4
Wear a magnetic necklace, bracelet, earrings or headband and sleep with a magnetic pillow to reduce migraine pain daily. Start with a lower strength, as your body generally responds better to a lower strength magnet when relieving migraine pain.

Step 5
Find products at alternative medicine facilities, through your health care provider or online at websites such as Magnetic Products or Magnetic Therapy Magnets (or see my picks on right hand side).

Step 6
Use other pain treatment methods in conjunction with magnetic therapy, as they won’t interfere with magnetic therapy. For example, take a hot bath or shower and then apply magnets once completely dry.

Step 7
Use high quality magnets with the correct strength for your degree of migraine pain. Consult a book such as “Magnetic Therapy” by Gloria Vegari or ask an expert for assistance. If you use the wrong strength your symptoms could worsen, and if you use the wrong placement you might not get all the benefits that correct placement gives you.