Many cultures, including the ancient Greeks, Chinese and Egyptians, have used magnet therapy products as a type of treatment for pain relief over the years. It wasn't until the 20th century that stronger magnets were available which marked the beginning of most of the modern developments in magnetic therapy. Today, there are different types and uses for magnetic materials and they have become more widely suggested to aid in pain relief and the repair of cell damage. Although opinions vary, many extensive clinical trials have been conducted to prove that there are true health and therapeutic benefits to many people that use these magnet therapy products.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee has collected clinical data and performed cell research for more than a decade to assess the effectiveness of magnetic therapy and the magnet therapy products. Their results revealed that it is not just the strength of the magnetic field, but the steepness in the slope that determines the degree pain alleviation. The steepness of the magnet is called the field gradient, which is what ultimately will block a signal of pain.

The fundamental elements of the magnet therapy products are designed to alternate polarity while directing energy toward the areas of affliction. Magnet therapy products have a certain kind of mechanism that is a proven stabilization and repair of cell membranes that are damaged. Basically, the calcium ion and sodium channels that cause painful impulses are blocked and the cells stop leaking fluid. When the fiber impulses are obstructed by the control of the ion channels, there will no longer be abnormal and painful impulses generated. This allows the signal of pain that goes to the brain to be essentially turned off and when the signal is blocked, the pain then goes away.

Magnet therapy products have been determined to be a non-invasive and safe method of providing relief of unwanted aches and pains. It has been stated by the World Health Organization that there are no known health risks in using magnetic therapy. However, pregnant women are advised not to use them, simply because there have not been conclusive tests done to determine whether there is a risk involved. There may also be a small chance of minor skin irritation, but the placement of the magnet therapy products can be moved to another area. An important thing to note when using these pain relief products is that it is a magnetic technology. Certain things can be adversely affected with magnets, such as computer systems, monitors and sensitive mechanical equipment. Anyone that wears any type of electro- medical device that is implanted, such as a defibrillator, pacemaker or an insulin pump are also advised against use to avoid damage and injury.

Some of the therapeutic advantages that magnetic therapy has over other forms of pain relief methods are the increased blood flow and circulation which relieve back pain and other discomforts. Accelerated healing, improvement in general well being and also possibly preventing any further pain or injury are more of the reasons that magnetic therapy is becoming one of the best solutions for back and neck pain relief.

There are several different kinds of magnet therapy products existing today and they come in various sizes. There are magnetic pillows, mattress pads and seat cushions. Also available are magnetic back belts, magnetic bracelets, as well as ones that are applied directly to the affected area. The best way to discover the therapeutic effects of the magnetic materials is to use the ones that specifically target the painful area; this will give the most pain relief to the spot where it is needed.