Are Heating Pads Good For Back Pain

Heat Therapy Helps Relax Stiff Joints

Learn different ways to ease joint pain using warm water or a hot compress.

Looking for a natural way to get your joints moving in the morning? Close the medicine cabinet and try an age-old remedy that has stood the test of time: heat.

If you have a chronic condition like fibromyalgia, arthritis, or lower back pain, try heating things up. Soaking in warm water or applying a heated compress is one of the oldest, cheapest, and safest forms of complementary therapy. Research has shown that heat treatments can loosen stiff joints and relieve achy muscles.

Here is how it works. When you warm up a sore joint or tired muscle, your blood vessels get bigger. This allows more blood, oxygen, and nutrients to be delivered to the injured tissues. Better circulation means more relaxation for those stiff muscles and joints.

Stay away from heat if you have an acute injury or are having a flare. If you have a sudden onset of swelling and redness from overdoing it yesterday, you are better off using cold treatments for a few days. Cold has the opposite effect of heat: it reduces blood flow and decreases inflammation.

Simple ways to heat up your daily routine.

Take a Steamy Shower

Start your day right by taking a long, warm shower. The heat of the water will reduce morning stiffness, limber up the body, and increase your range of motion for the daily activity ahead.

Apply a Warm Compress

Managing Pain

Does Heating Pad Make Sciatica Worse

There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone experiences sciatica differently and reacts to heat differently. Some people find that heat helps ease the pain while others find that it makes it worse. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with your doctor or physical therapist to see if heat is right for you.

The sciatic nerve is made up of nerves from the lower back of the lower vertebrae. A nerve runs through the gluteal muscles before it innovates the muscles of the legs and feet. TENSION OF THE NECK CAUSES SILICONE CANCER this can be caused by compression or entrapment. Entrapment and compression are two different types of sciatica. A herniated disc in the back is the source of the entrapped disc. Compression of the sciatic nerve occurs when the gluteal muscles become extremely tight and compressed around it. Our Pain Assessment tool can help you determine if you have a specific case of pain.

Use Cold First And Then Apply Heat For Acute Back Pain

When your back pain is acute and/or occurs due to a direct injury, use cold therapy first.2 Lowering the body temperature will help constrict the blood vessels, reduce swelling, decrease inflammation, and cause a numbing effect.1,3

See Ice Packs for Back Pain Relief

Once the inflammation has subsided, use heat therapy. When you apply heat, it improves the flexibility of soft tissues, movement of muscles, and overall functioning of the back. The local warmth stimulates blood circulation in your lower back, which in turn brings healing nutrients to the injured tissues.

It is also advised to continue using heat therapy intermittently for several hours or days in order to improve tissue healing and prevent recurrence of pain.2

Recommended Reading: Who To See For Low Back Pain

How To Loosen Tight Lower Back Muscles Using Heat Therapy

Also Check: How To Heal My Lower Back Pain

Best Massager: Comfier Heating Pad With Massager

• Can be worn like a belt

• Made from soft, velvet material

• Only has two heat settings

If youre looking to take your heat therapy to a whole different level, look no further than Comfiers Heating Pad. This pad does double-duty as a heater and massager and provides much-needed relief to sore muscles in your lower back. There are two heat modes, three massage modes, and two intensity levels to choose from, so you can pick the settings that meet your lifestyle needs. It fits like a lifting belt and is made from a soft, velvet cover, so you wont have to worry about being uncomfortable.

This pad scored a five across all attributes, except for features, where it scored a 4.5. Our tester noted that there were only two heat settings, which may not be ideal if youre looking for more warmth. Wed recommend this for people who may not need many heat settings and are looking for a light massage on the back.

Price at time of publication: $43

Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Lower back | Number of Heat Settings: 2 | Auto Off Function: No | Added Features: Massager with three modes

Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida

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What Is A Heating Pad Used For During Pregnancy

Using heat or ice packs are common methods of treating muscle and join pain. Both methods are noninvasive and not addictive. In general, recurring pain like the aching back, hips, or joints you may experience as your pregnancy progresses should be treated with heat.

Heat therapy opens blood vessels, increasing blood flow and bringing fresh supplies of oxygen and nutrients. This helps reduce joint pain and eases soreness in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The warmth from a heat pack can also increase your range of motion while decreasing muscle spasms. Overall, its a good way to find pain relief during pregnancy.

Twinges and aches go hand-in-hand with pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, nearly every woman should expect some degree of back pain during her pregnancy.

You may experience back and pelvic pain during pregnancy for the following reasons:

Muscle cramps are another symptom of pregnancy for some women. These involuntary muscle spasms come on quickly and can be painful.

Close to half of all pregnant women will experience muscle cramps at some point. While most of them happen in the legs, they can also occur in the back, abdomen, and even in the hands and feet.

Benefits Of Cordless Heating Pads

You can use a cordless, battery-operated, or USB-powered heating pad to quickly relieve your aching back on the go and anytime you need it.

And:

Wireless heating pads are compact and lightweight, and you can use them for neck pain, stomach aches, joint pain or just to warm your feet and hands in the cold weather.

Below youll find the best cordless heating pad, the best rechargeable hot water, the best USB heating pad, the best heating pad for flights, and the best back heating wraps.

Also Check: What Helps Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

When Should I Avoid Heat Therapy

Avoid heat therapy if you have existing skin conditions, high-blood pressure, or mental ailments.

Some specific conditions affected by heat therapy are:

• Rashes and lesions
• Deep-vein thrombosis

Heat encourages bacterial growth in open lesions and can irritate rashes. Dont apply heat to these conditions if there is a chance it will worsen.

Vascular disease and deep-vein thrombosis are also affected by heat. Warmth causes heart rate to rise and blood to flow more freely. Extra blood flow may affect clotting problems with deep vein thrombosis. It can irritate veins and arteries that are affected by disease. Direct heat can also exacerbate problems associated with heart disease and hypertension. Increased heart rate from raised body heat can stress an already compromised cardiovascular system.

Diabetics may experience significant discomfort from sudden changes like applied heat. If you suffer from diabetes, avoid applied heat for pain relief.

Heat Reduces Pain Caused By Stiffness

Heat application facilitates stretching of the soft tissues around the spine, including muscles, connective tissue, and adhesions. Consequently, regular heat therapy on the back typically provides:

• Increased range of motion5Bleakley CM, Costello JT. Do thermal agents affect range of movement and mechanical properties in soft tissues? A systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2013 94:149-163. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2012.07.023
• Strengthened movements of the trunk6Freiwald J, Hoppe MW, Beermann W, Krajewski J, Baumgart C. Effects of supplemental heat therapy in multimodal treated chronic low back pain patients on strength and flexibility. Clin Biomech . 2018 57:107-113. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2018.06.008

An overall feeling of comfort sets in and daily activities seem less difficult when lower back stiffness is relieved.

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Work With An Experienced Back Pain Specialist Today

Sciatica can produce symptoms like intense pain and numbness in the legs and lower back, which directly affect your ability to move freely. Patients that experience these signs understand the importance of finding treatments that help them control the pain in a safe and effective way.

If you want to find out more about the different sciatica treatment options available in North Seattle and surrounding areas, contact us today and our team will be glad to help.

How Long To Use A Heating Pad For Sciatica

When it comes to finding relief from sciatic nerve pain, many people turn to heating pads. But how long should you use a heating pad for sciatica? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of time you should use a heating pad will vary depending on the severity of your pain and your own personal preferences. However, most people find that 20-30 minutes is a good amount of time to use a heating pad for sciatica relief. If you find that your pain is not improving after 20-30 minutes, you can try using the heating pad for a longer period of time. Just be sure to not overdo it, as too much heat can actually make your pain worse. If you start to feel uncomfortable or your skin starts to feel too hot, be sure to remove the heating pad and take a break. If you are looking for an alternative to a heating pad, you can also try using an ice pack. Applying ice to the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Just like with a heating pad, you should only use an ice pack for 20-30 minutes at a time to avoid potential skin damage. If you are struggling to find relief from your sciatic nerve pain, be sure to talk to your doctor. They can provide you with additional treatment options and help you find the best way to manage your pain.

To avoid back problems, stick to a 15- to 20-minute duration, but long sessions can be recommended for chronic conditions or severe, painful conditions. A heating pad should never be used to sleep.

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When To Use Heat And Ice Therapy For Back Pain

If you are debating between heat or cold for back pain, sometimes the answer is both. If you are planning to exercise, you can use a combination of heat and ice therapy to help manage any potential back pain.

Before starting your workout, use a warm compress to help relax the muscles in your back and prepare them for movement. Approximately 10 to 15 minutes of heat therapy is usually adequate.

After you cool down and stretch, use some cold therapy to help soothe any soreness in your muscles. You can apply the ice pack or cold compress immediately after working out or later in your day.

How To Use A Heating Pad

You can use a heating pad for different types of body pains.

For example, if you have pain in your upper or lower back, you can lie down flat, on any firm surface such that the back makes complete contact with your heating pad so that it covers the region where the pain originates. Always place a piece of fabric or clothing between the heating pad and your skin to prevent burns.

Lie down slowly on the heating pad so that your body can get accustomed to the change in temperature. Then sit up and maintain this position for 5 seconds every time during the initial 2 minutes of this treatment this will allow your back muscles to absorb the heat effectively.

Do not use a heating pad for over an hour at a time irrespective of the nature of your injury.

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The Benefits Of Waking Up With A Heating Pad

If you find that you use a heating pad more frequently than not, keep it near your bed otherwise, forget it. By loosening your muscles and improving blood circulation after waking, you can prevent sciatica from flaring or starting up after you have fallen asleep. In theory, cold packs are more effective at first, but heating with a heat lamp or a heating pad on the lowest setting may help with inflammation after two or three days.

Best Microwave: Suzzipad Microwavable Heating Pads

• Folds easily into the microwave

• Works on multiple areas

• Absorbs microwave smell

Made with flaxseed, millets, and clay beads, the SuzziPad heating pad delivers heat to relieve joint pain, cramps, swelling, and tight muscles. The paneled design allows the pad to distribute heat evenly and can be folded easily. All you have to do is pop this pad in the microwave for 60 seconds and place it on your desired pain area. After one minute in the microwave, you can enjoy up to ten minutes of heat in one session.

Our tester noted that the pad may absorb any odors lingering in the microwave, so its recommended to clean your microwave before heating your pad.

Price at time of publication: $18

Charge Type: Microwave | Areas Targeted: Back, neck, lower abdomen, legs, ankles | Number of Heat Settings: N/A | Auto Off Function: N/A | Added Features: Can be used hot or cold

Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida

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How To Apply Heat Therapy

When it comes to applying heat therapy, there is nearly no end to your options. For example, you can use a hot water bottle, hot gel pack, or an electric heating pad.

Once you have settled on a heat therapy option, you can follow these guidelines for application:

• Place a cloth or towel between yourself and the heat source to prevent burns
• The desired temperature for heat therapy is warm, not hot
• The more severe your injury, the longer you likely need to apply heat therapy

Precautions For Heat Pads For Back Pain

Using heating pads for back pain comes with some risks and situations to avoid.

Replacing older heating pads reduces the chance of causing an electrical fire. Any signs of damage, like frayed wires or holes in the material, are warning signs requiring replacing the heating pad immediately.

It is possible to burn yourself with a well-functioning heating pad, no matter the type. Older adults are at a higher risk of burns. Children under 12 years old are also at a higher risk of burns. Do not fall asleep with a heating pad unless it has an automatic off function.

People who are pregnant should consult their doctor before using a heating pad for back pain.

Learn more about heat versus ice for back pain.

Read Also: How To Stretch To Relieve Lower Back Pain

Best For Lower Back Pain: Sunbeam Heated Back Wrap

• Velcro fastener doesn’t feel very durable

Made from a soft pad and using four heat settings, the Sunbeam Heated Back Wrap contours to the shape of your back while relieving sore muscles. There’s an adjustable waist strap to lock the back wrap in place, and the strap extends up to 85 inches. Whats more, it features an automated timer that automatically shuts off the device after two hours to prevent overheating.

This pad did not disappoint, receiving a five on all attributes: setup, design, features, and heating quality. It gets hot quickly and the heat is concentrated in the upper and lower areas of the back, per our tester. We recommend this heating pad to people who are experiencing regular back pain and need relief in-between doctor and physical therapy sessions.

Price at time of publication: $25

Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Lower back | Number of Heat Settings: 4 | Auto Off Function: Yes | Added Features: Moist heat option

Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida

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• Evaluate ingredients and composition:Do they have the potential to cause harm?
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suggests that heat therapy decreases pain and increases blood flow, metabolism, and connective tissue elasticity.

Heating pads come in various sizes and types, including electric, infrared, chemical, and liquid or gel pads.

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Best Budget: Sunbeam Heating Pad

• Easy to use and set up

• Budget-friendly

• Has a moist heat option

• Not as comfortable as other pads

This option from Sunbeam delivers most of the features of other pads on this list at a fraction of the cost. Using a sliding controller, you can adjust the three heat settings to deliver warmth to your muscles. The pad comes with a washable cover and a 9-foot cord, making for easy use and clean. For deeper relief, you can use the sponge insert to activate the moist heat option.

One caveat that our tester noted is that the cover material is not as comfortable as other pads tested in the lab. However, its still made with a soft cloth and sponge. Overall, its an easy-to-use pad that functions exactly as advertised.

Price at time of publication: $30

Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Legs, shoulders, lower abdomen | Number of Heat Settings: 3 | Auto Off Function: No | Added Features: Moist heat option

Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida