Is there a role for magnetic therapy in such inflammatory and autoimmune conditions as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and neuropathies? Magnets can cause bombardment of ionic particles, resulting in warmth and ultimately vasodilation and increased blood flow, which may be beneficial in the conditions noted. I heard of one patient who got relief from her scleroderma-related esophageal dysphagia by placing a magnet over her chest and esophageal area.
—Victor J. Bonuel, MD, Las Vegas
The poorly functioning esophagus of scleroderma patients responds somewhat to strong acid suppression but to very little else. I am not aware of magnets benefiting any rheumatic condition in a controlled study.
—Jack Waxman, MD (112-19)
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