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Is A Heating Pad Good For Lower Back Pain

Benefits Of Cordless Heating Pads

Is a heating pad good for lower back pain?

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.

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Briteleafs Best Cordless Heating Pad

BriteLeafs Cordless Heating Belt view

The BriteLeafs battery operated wearable heating pad gets our highest rating for a portable heating pad for back pain, and heres why:

This wearable heating pad for back pain is rechargeable, the heat lasts for 2-4 hours , and it uses carbon fiber to deliver far-infrared heat which penetrates deep into your muscles and tissues.

BriteLeafs Pros

  • Far infrared heat penetrates deep into your back and does not only temporarily relieve pain but speeds up healing from any injury you may have.
  • Heat lasts for 2-3 hours per charge!
  • The Velcro strap makes it very comfortable to use and stays put on your back no matter how active you are.
  • This battery-heated back warmer has 2 temperature settings, and the heat can get intense you can wear over clothes and still feel the heat very well.
  • Fit for travel you can charge in both 110 220V outlets or you can also plug into a computer to charge. Also, Lithium batteries are allowed on planes if you take them with you to your cabin.

See how this FIR heat pad doubled painless sleep hours for a back pain sufferer HERE.

Cons

  • It doesnt come with an extra battery. You can order another one HERE.
  • Charging the battery fully may take up to 8 hours.

Bottom Line

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Making Back Pain Worse Instead Of Better

Here are some common ways people increase their back pain, instead of making it better:

  • Lack of physical activity
  • Improperly bending or poor back mechanics
  • Improper use of icing and heating back muscles
  • Sitting on fitness ball rather then your office chair

When you are experiencing chronic back pain, it is common to significantly reduce physical activity. While this is a good idea in some cases, in reality its best to keep some level of physical activity going. Lying in bed for days or weeks can delay healing. Resting longer than 48 hours causes muscle atrophy, which can often lead to a muscle spasm and increased weakening of the back muscles. Light activity like walking, swimming, or spending some time on an elliptical trainer can actually speed up the healing process.

Its important when bending or lifting heavy objects to bend at the knees rather then using the support of your back muscles. Improper bending increases the likelihood of injuring your back through something as simple as a sneeze. In time, over-usage of the back muscles causes significant weakening so that when you least expect it a sudden injury occurs.

In the case of icing and heating back muscles its important to note that although a hot shower might feel good, the heat might actually be increasing inflammation by opening up blood vessels. Icing and heating in combination breaks the cycles in which muscle spasms cause pain.

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All About Heating Pads For Back Pain

Even if it’s only temporary, back pain can take a serious toll on your quality of life. It can make it difficult for you to perform everyday tasks and enjoy the things you once loved. While there are many conservative treatments for back pain, one of the most common is heat therapy. Believe it or not, heat therapy has been around since ancient times when the Egyptians and Greeks would use it for pain.

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend hours upon hours in the sun for back pain relief through heat therapy. These days, over-the-counter heating pads are available online and in stores. They bring ease and convenience to heat therapy.

When Ice Therapy Is Not The Answer

Heating Pad for Back Pain Relief, Comfytemp Electric Heated Waist Wrap ...

As with heat therapy, there are times when it can be tempting to slap a bag of ice on any sore or twitching muscle. But doing ice therapy for back spasm and a number of other problems can actually do more harm than good.

You should not ice for:

  • General muscle pains
  • Reducing body fat

Also, this is pretty intuitive, but you should not apply ice if youre already shivering.

Another word to the wiseyou may think you have pulled or strained a muscle in the back or neck, but actual tissue damage is quite rare. The tissue of the back is really thick and it takes a lot of forcelike whiplash from a car accident or lifting something very heavyto actually tear muscles.

So when it comes to answering the questionwhats good for back pain, heat or cold?heat usually wins out.

And if you indeed have a back strain from lifting or something else, you should only apply ice for a few days and then switch to heating pads.

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Ice Therapy As An Alternative Treatment To Bulging Disc

Cryotherapy or most commonly known as an ice therapy is also an appropriate treatment when at home. It helps in treating inflammation and other injuries related to soft tissue. Swellings and inflammatory areas are best treated with ice packs or the cold gel packs. It should be placed around the compressed spine nerve, the actual source of discomfort. Just like heat therapy, ice therapy One of the most effective methods of relieving pain instantly is melted ice water on a wet towel.

Best Practices: How To Ice Your Back

  • Apply ice to the sore area for 10 minutes every hour.
  • Stick to the every-hour schedule. The more often the cycle/transition happens, the faster your body can heal.
  • Place a thin barrier like a towel between the skin and ice pack to prevent skin damage.
  • If youre using ice therapy for therapeutic or athletic reasons, you should do so several hours after your workout. Ideally, this should be done the first thing in the morning/and or right before bed.
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    How Often Should I Use Heat For Back Pain

    If you suffer from back pain, alternating between heat and cold therapy can help you alleviate the pain. Both therapies provide a temporary numbing effect and can reduce pain. Heat therapy also encourages blood flow to the affected area, bringing nutrients and oxygen. It can also decrease stiffness. Before starting any therapy, speak with a medical professional.

    The best time to use heat or ice for back pain depends on the severity of the pain. Heat is generally better than cold. Depending on the severity, you may need to use ice for several days and then switch to heating pads for an extended period. If you experience sudden pain, ice may not be the best treatment for your pain.

    Heat may also be used for chronic back pain and muscle tightness. Heat increases muscle pliability, which reduces pain. However, prolonged exposure to heat increases inflammation and increases pain. You should choose heat that is moist or dry. Heat packs can be worn under your clothes or placed on a heating pad.

    Being Mindful Of Your Movements

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    How many times has someone told you to lift with your legs, not with your back? Though its almost become cliché, its good advice. Your lower back supports a lot of the function of your body. Even if you lift using correct posture most of the time, a few haphazard hoists can be all it takes to cause long-term pain.

    For example, parents with small children will lean over and pick them up out of a crib several times a day. Once or twice might not put much strain on the back, but repeating this movement hundreds or thousands of times over the years can cause serious discomfort. Mind those movements today, and your back will be more forgiving in the future.

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    Heating Pads Are Good For People With Arthritis

    Certainly, for people suffering from arthritis the daily pain is a real challenge. Of course, there are many products available which may be able to provide a measure of relief for the pain associated with arthritis. However, using a heating pad is an inexpensive, often very effective, and enjoyable possibility for easing pain.

    In addition, when used correctly, a heating pad does not come with any nasty side effects. If you, or someone you know, suffers from arthritis, why not see for yourself whether a heating pad could really make a difference in daily life? It may turn out to be the best thing you ever did!

    What Our Testers Say

    “I liked that the pad’s adjustable belt accommodates a variety of sizes, which is really great for finding a fit that is snug and comfortable. I would love to wear this around all day, because its so snug and discreet that you could keep it with you for whenever you might need it.” Christina Oehler, Health Commerce Editor and product tester

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    Best Overall: Pure Enrichment Purerelief Heating Pad

    • Has an auto shut-off to prevent overheating

    • Neck area doesnt get as warm

    What do buyers say? 88% of 8,500+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

    We chose the Pure Enrichment PureRelief Heating Pad as our best overall pick for a few key reasons. It sets to four heat settings with a press of a button and automatically shuts off after two hours of use to prevent overheating and to conserve energy. Not only does the pad have a strong heating system, but its also made from soft fibers, which prevents the pad from burning the skin. Plus, its wearable and covers your back, neck, and abdomen, so you can walk around the house in comfort. The magnetic neck closure and the adjustable elastic belt help to keep the heating pad in place.

    It scored a five on all attributes, except for features, where it scored a 4.5. Our tester noted that it didnt have a self-timer for the various heat settings. The pads affordable price point, easy setup, and high heating quality make this pad the best overall.

    Price at time of publication: $40

    Charge Type: Plug-in heating pad | Areas Targeted: Neck, back, and shoulders | Number of Heat Settings: 4 | Auto Off Function: Yes | Added Features: Magnetic neck closure, adjustable waist strap

    Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida

    What Causes Constipation Problems

    Lumbar Heating Support Wrap, Lower Back Heat Support Belt, Adjustable ...

    The leading causes of constipation are poor diet, too much time spent sitting down, and lack of exercise. Almost all of us have experienced constipation at one point in time, and we know that it is extremely annoying it is. There are even other people who develop a fever because of this problem.

    So, why are you constipated? Here are some reasons:

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    Is A Heating Pad Safe During Pregnancy

    A heating pad is a good option for temporary relief if youre dealing with pain in your back or pelvis, or if you experience muscle cramps. Unlike a hot tub or a sauna, using a heating pad on isolated parts of your body wont raise your core body temperature.

    For pain relief, you could also try an electric heating pad or a microwaveable heat pack. Follow these guidelines when using a heating pad during pregnancy:

    • Dont apply a heating device directly to your skin. Its best to wrap it in a thin towel first, or use it over your clothing.
    • Dont apply heat for longer than 20 minutes, which is the normal cycle length of most heating pads.
    • If your heating pad has temperature settings, use the lowest setting that still makes you feel better.
    • Avoid falling asleep with your heating pad.

    Speak to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about the safety of a specific heating pad or microwaveable heat pack.

    Use A Cold Pack For Acute Injuries & Pain

    When Cold is the choice if the injury is aching, even at rest. or if its a brand new injury . Cold is also a good choice if you reinjured something .

    What Ice pack, cold cloth, ice bath or ice massage.

    Why Cooling agents help narrow the blood vessels which decrease blood flow, reduce swelling to the injured area and can be numbing effect for pain management. IMPORTANT: Always remember to protect your skin with a barrier between you and the cooling agent.

    How Cold therapy should be applied every couple of hours for approximately 10-15 minutes at a time.

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    Does A Heating Pad Help Ease Back Pain

    Yes, a heating pad can help ease your back pain. This is the case as it is a product that can distribute the heat properly. Before we discuss how the heating pad is effective on back pain, let us first talk about the two types of heat therapy that you can do depending on the heating pad that you have.

    When Should You Not Use A Heating Pad

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    While its helpful to apply heat and ice to back aches, there are also situations where a heating pad isnt appropriate. While heat and ice both reduce pain, the human body responds differently to them. Its important to listen to your body and follow its advice.

    If you are pregnant, make sure to consult your healthcare provider before using a heating pad. Its important to avoid placing the pad on the uterus and other areas of the abdomen because the heat can harm the unborn child. A heating pad should only be used for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. When used properly, heating pads can help reduce pain signals and increase circulation.

    The type of heating pad you use should be compatible with your body type. The size of the pad will determine which area of the body it targets. Larger heating pads are more suitable for chronic pain. If youre not sure which size is right for you, consider purchasing a flexible pad that can conform to many different parts of the body.

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    Is Heat Or Ice Better For Lower Back Pain

    Millions of individuals across the country experience lower back pain for a wide variety of reasons. When their back hurts, the first thing that most people do is to reach for a hot or cold compress to help them feel more comfortable. However, there is quite a bit of controversy when it comes to the temperatures that are best for assisting those who are experiencing pain in the lower back.

    Abused Term #: Pain Receptors

    Some people will call these proteins and their host nerves pain receptors, but thats definitely oversimplifying things dramatically, to the point of error .

    Pain is not a thing in the world to be detected. Even the output of nociceptors is not yet pain, let alone the input.

    Proteins transduce the stimuli, they dont interpret it. The nerve cells pass the message along, but they dont editorialize.

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    Heat Pads For Back Pain

    Back pain is extremely common amongst adults. Due to poor posture, pulled muscles, trapped nerves, period pain or even sciatica, back pain can result in you not being able to carry out your everyday tasks. Our heat pads are designed to relieve that awful pain, relaxing your muscles and reducing the tension you feel!

    How To Loosen Tight Lower Back Muscles Using Heat Therapy

    Mid &  Lower Back Pain Relief Heat Pads
  • In most cases, applying heat to the painful area for up to 20 minutes an hour will help.
  • For more severe injuries, you may need to apply the heating pad to the low-, mid- or upper back for 30 minutes to two hours. In such cases, you should probably buy a reusable heating pad for back pain that wraps around the body.
  • Always place multiple layers of towels between your skin and the heat source to prevent burns.
  • Your heat belt should be at a warm temperature, not a hot one that could decrease comfort/burn skin.
  • You can use a heating pad to help with low-back pain during pregnancy, so long as you do not apply heat directly to the belly.
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    Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

    The PureReliefs cover requires gentler washing than others we tested: washing on the delicate cycle with cold water and drying on the delicates cycle rather than the medium setting most pads can tolerate. While its plug stays firmly connected to the base of the pad, its locking tabs could be tough to disengage for people with large hands or pain in their fingers.

    One of our long-term testers found that the PureRelief can have problems maintaining temperatures for long periods of time. In their experience, after about 30 minutes of use, the PureRelief tends to cool down, requiring them to increase the number in order to start the heat again.

    Effects On Inner Muscles:

    People often get weird questions like, can heating pads cause internal damage? If you are a regular user of heating pads, this information can be life-changing. Most of you often get a dopamine release in your body when you use a heating pad, and it vanishes your pain suddenly, but wait right there as you should also consider the horrible inner damages that these heating pads can cause you. Every time you use a heating pad on your body, it increases the risk of internal muscle ruptures. That is how you weaken your inner muscles most of the time with heating pads and start getting dependent on those hot bags even more day by day!

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