Thanks mrsD.

Using only one sounds so much easier, and that will leave me with 9 for kitty playthings.

So, for lower back pain - would I place it directly over the sore spot, or somewhat above? below?

Where does the back hurt? Is it sciatica? That would be at about L4 one inch from the midline. After an hour or so if there is no change move it an inch more and experiment to find your "hot spot". Change in feeling is pretty quick with these, so nothing is lost except a bit of time.

Tailbone area? Then about one inch from your "butt crack" and about 1 inch right or left depending on the side that bothers you.

These work best for radiating pain... I'd try them on your feet.
One foot at a time. Using the map and 3D link, place one over a major nerve at the ankle, and see what happens. Red side down.
I have used a magnet above the ankle bone and below, just before the arch. If you have pain that goes to the the big toe, the inside medial area is best.

Yes, it is about L4-L5, a little to the right. So, I'll start there, and just experiment. As soon as I get away from this computer for the day, I'll give it a go, and let you know tomorrow how it works.

Thanks so much for your endless patience with those of us (or maybe just me) who challenge it so frequently.

Separating magnets in a roll may seem impossible If you do not know this trick.
If the magnets come with separators this is even more important because if they are that strong they may shatter or you may not be able to get them apart if they slam together.
Place the roll on the edge of a counter or table with a sharp edge and away from any metal parts. with the desired separation point on the edge hold the roll firmly and slide the magnet off below the edge then keep them widely separated.
Using more than one magnet at a time can be problematic because the can slam together with a force of 100 pounds and cut skin and garments. You may notice that if you back up against an appliance that you become a refrigerator magnet.
@ the thread starter you need a therapist ** to locate the stress points to place the magnets. It may not be where the pain symptom is located.
*edit*

Using the new plastic coated strong ones, is quite easy.

You can separate them easily, they do not "shatter" and they are easy to handle.

For neuropathy pain, finding the nerve path is helpful. The first post here has that information.

I have never used them over "stress points". Also using the very strong ones available now, you don't even need them for long periods. I only do about 20minutes to a site.

I have never been stuck to a refrigerator either! LOL
I only use them in bed for short periods of time.

Application of magnets is similar to application of Lidoderm patches. The principle is to interfere with a major nerve path to
stop it from firing too much.

Has anyone tried qmagnets?


http://www.qmagnets.com/index.php

Seems as they are based In Austrailia.
I found an interesting article on their site about central pain sensitization.

http://www.qmagnets.com/central-sensitization.php

I have having a hard time with my alloydina and am getting desperate. I have read articles stating that magnets are a waste of money and any positive effects are a placebo effect. If the magnets slow down the firing of the troubling nerves I assume that would hyper my burning hypersensitivity.

Some feedback would be appreciated.

Sure you can buy fancy expensive magnets (and WOW look at those prices!)...or get the same results for 2 bucks each. Your choice. They will only work if very strong, high gauss, and placed in the right spot.
You have to be willing to experiment with placement and polarity as explained in this thread. I've used magnets for over a decade. And still get scoffed at, BTW.

The American version of the "4 little ones arranged in a square) are listed in this thread.
Quadrablocs. still expensive.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Quadra..._edit_sections
These are the old MagnaBlocs sold to a new distributor.

Placement is the key to success. And patience.

MrsD, are the plastic ones weaker than the regular nickel coated ones if you say can pull them apart easily? Have you compared their strengths?

Also, is it safe to sleep with these magnets on all night (it'll be on the arch of my foot)? Do you stop at 20 minutes because you don't want to overdo it or because you don't need it anymore?

The plastic coated ones, do lose a bit of strength, but they still penetrate well. On the foot it would be no problem. The plastic covered ones are much thicker so depending on where you place it you may not be able to walk on it safely. You'd have to tape one on, in that location. The plastic ones are regular neodymium ones with plastic on the outside...this prevents breakage and corrosion too.

When I did my feet I used non-plastic smaller ones, that were like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Disc-Package-E...dymium+magnets

You'll have to figure the polarity yourself. Basically the wrong pole will stimulate nerves, and the correct pole will block pain impulses. I put tape between my skin and the magnet, to prevent corrosion of the nickel coating. And also some people react to nickel with irritation anyway. I use surgical tape.

If you buy small magnets be aware of the danger to children and pets. Death can occur if swallowed.
Also you cannot use magnets if you have an implanted medical device.(cardiac pacemakers, SCS spinal cord stimulators, and
shunts for the brain.)

I love the magnets and still use them. I made a pad of 3 sewn in a row, for my back to lie on in bed. I use the one inchers with no plastic cover for that.

Without the plastic the really high gauss ones can penetrate 6 inches, which is enough for the back, but perhaps not quite enough for buttocks, depending.

You can leave the little ones on, if you want.
I stop at 20 minutes now, because I get relief usually by then, so why keep it on longer?

Cool, thanks Mrsd. Just ordered a set of the plastic ones. I actually found this site that explains there's a 45% reduction from the plastic.

They still have 5 lbs of pull so that's pretty good. I figure just stacking 2 would boost the overall strength and maybe get close to what one nickel plated one would have if I don't feel the effect from one.

Also, I found some more magnets on amazon that have gold plated magnets specifically for using on your skin. A bit more expensive, obviously, but still less than I expected (and the nickel ones usually come in packs of 10 which i don't need, so I'm really spending the same if I only need one). I found them after I ordered the plastic so I'll see if they work first before trying a stronger gold one.


EDIT: apparently I can't post links yet on the forum, but you can just search 'neodymium magnets gold' on amazon and you'll find them.