You may or may not be surprised to learn that if you're looking at magnets, you're not alone. The use of magnets worldwide is highly popular. In fact, it's been estimated that over 120 million people use magnets worldwide. But even so, you may not have been exposed to certain information about this treatment. Here are 7 things you probably didn't know about magnetic therapy for pain or other ailments.

1. It is a known fact that magnetic fields affect living tissue, despite some mistaken claims to the contrary. Certain types of mental illness are treated with pulsed magnetic fields. Researchers at Yale have shown that this treatment reduces the "voices" that schizophrenics hear in their heads.

2. For many years, Tibetan monks have used static magnets to relieve depression. We now know that pulsating magnetic fields can relieve severe depression. According to researchers, pulsed magnetic fields affect cells deep inside the brain. Many who wear magnetic jewelry claim a renewed sense of well-being.

3. Pulsed magnetic fields alter bones and tissue, and they are used to treat slow-healing fractures, knee pain, neck pain, and even muscle tears.

4. In Japan, studies have shown that static magnets help to relieve pain in the neck and shoulders. The Japanese have been using magnets for generations, and one out of every eight Japanese sleeps on a magnetic bed.

5. After a personal experience with magnets, Dr. Ronald Lawrence began doing studies on his patients. Dr. Lawrence used magnets to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. In a 22 patient study, 91 percent showed improvement when using magnets for carpal tunnel syndrome.

6. In 1999, researchers at New York Medical College discovered that magnets were effective on nine out of 10 diabetic patients with nerve pain. Since the results of those with the fake magnets were significantly worse, the researchers recommended magnets for all patients with nerve pain.

7. For many years, Vanderbilt neurologist Dr. Robert Holcombe used static magnets to relieve back pain. He said that the pain relief from magnets can be as effective as a shot of morphine.

As evidenced by studies from around the world, as well as anecdotal reports, magnetic therapy can help with many conditions. These conditions include high blood pressure, back pain, peripheral neuropathy, neck and shoulder pain, accelerated wound healing, and even reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.

The most popular application by far for magnetic therapy as a self-treatment is for pain relief, and magnets continue to gain popularity in the United States. As Dr. Dr. Michael Breen pointed out in an article in the Chicago Sun-Times in 2000, magnets are in wide spread usage in many cultures. This a testament to their effectiveness.