Heating pads have been used as a remedy for various body pains for quite some time now. They manage the sensation of pain. This is done by vasodilation (dilation of blood vessels) which in turn dilates the target tissue. This relaxes the tense muscles by improving blood profusion towards them.
A heating pad is very convenient to use and has very encouraging results. It is a local way of introducing heat to the target tissue which is causing the pain sensation. As a result, more Oxygen and nutrients travel to the target that gradually relieves the pain.
On the days when pain is unbearable, it becomes difficult to carry out daily tasks. Even sitting for a long duration becomes difficult. Productivity drops considerably and every task seems very taxing. So, you must look for a sustainable solution to avoid this situation in future.
Pain killers or heating pad?
If you are working and suddenly you feel a sharp pain in the neck or even if the presence of pain has been there for some hours, the first solution that comes to your mind is a pain killer, obviously. Just because it is a fast and considered to be a grab-and-go solution, it doesn’t mean that it is a healthy one, too. There are very few people who chose to use a heating pad. Although a heating pad has a gradual healing mechanism, yet it is considered far better than pills. The reason is very clear: it does not have any considerable side effects like drugs. Many people use pain killers so excessively that their bodies become resistant to pain killers. As a result, their pain is not cured by any pain killer and they end up taking injections or heavy doses. To prevent the situation from hyping up this much, I recommend taking a solution that benefits you in the long run such as using a heating pad.
How to use a heating pad
It is very easy to use a heating pad. Many people consider it a complex or time-taking procedure which is not true. Keeping in view its ease of use and long-term benefits, it is highly recommended to be used in pangs of intolerable pain. A heating pad comes for various body parts, such as the back, lower abdomen, neck, shoulders, etc.
Neck/shoulder/back pain
However, in this era of digital working, shoulder pain is a very common pain sensation among the other ones. This is mainly because a considerable fraction of the population works on screens for a very long part of the day. Moreover, nowadays a leading cause of neck and shoulder pain is the wrong posture. This is very common in the young generation, so now more and more people have persistent neck pain, recurrent pain or are at the risk of developing it in the future.
Along with fixing all these causing factors of neck pain, it is equally important to develop and adopt sustainable ways of treating it, not only for us but also for our future generations.
Heating pads for back/neck/shoulder pain
Using a heating pad for back pain is a very wise choice. Although there are many options in the market when it comes to buying a heating pad, you must buy the right product. To help you chose the right one, I have compiled a list of competitive options. So, lets get started with the list.
- Pure Enrichment® Pure Relief™ XL Heating Pad
Pure Relief heating pad is very effective for neck pain. As its name suggests, it is very quick in offering relief in the pain. It is made of anti-pill micro mink fibers of silk. It is machine washable. Its size is very universal and fits most people.
The overall design is very flexible and includes a belt for better fitting. Its length is quite large so along with the neck and shoulders, it covers the entire back as well. It offers 4 heat settings (110°F, 120°F, 130°F, 140°F) and comes with a built-in LED controller.
The only downside is that due to improper fitting on the upper body of some people, the heat build-up is not as effective for them.
- Comfytemp Electric Heated Pad
The Comfytemp electric heating pad is more like a sheet instead of a body-hugging design. Its size is 12×15 inches and is equally effective for the neck, shoulders, knees, and joints. Due to its size, it is ideal for targeted pain relief.
Comfytemp offers three heat settings, namely low, medium, and high in this product. Another highlighted feature is the option of moist heat. The fabric is very comfortable and washing machine friendly. However, the fabric on the other side is of sub-standard quality that quickly catches on sensitive skin parts, if you have any.
- Sunbeam XlRenue Heat Therapy Wrap
The Heat Therapy Wrap from sunbeam is a custom fitting wrap. It is ergonomically designed to fit the back along with the neck and covers shoulders too. It comes with a digital LED controller that helps you in selecting between the provided heat settings.
The material of this heat wrap is high-quality Royal mink which is washable. It easily covers the entire upper back along with the lower back, so the coverage is quite generous. The only pitfall in this product is that it does not entirely cover the neck, so it won’t be an ideal option for people with neck pain.
· Sunny Bay Extra Large Heating Wrap
Another amazing heat wrap is the Sunny Bay heating wrap. It is a very convenient option as it is microwave friendly. It is made of 100% Polyester and its chambers are filled with Flaxseeds. They are known for relieving the pain caused by inflammation.
Its design is very unique, similar to the letter T, offering a head enclave at the top and the tail at the bottom extends up to 12.5 inches to effectively cover the upper back. It covers the back and can be placed on the shoulder as well. The wrap comes in dark blue color and is very convenient to use.
You can even use it as a cooling pad by placing it in the fridge or freezer. It is to be noted that this product is not washable. Also, some consumers have experienced a weird odor during the use.
· Hot Cherry Pit Pillow
Another microwave-friendly option is from Hot Cherry. This heating pad is a pillow-shaped square and is cherry red in color. What is most loved about it is that it gives off a cherry scent while it is working. This scent helps in relaxing and is a mood elevator as well.
The pillow is 9.5×28-inches and is filled with dried, cleaned cherry pits. Also, it is washable so you can use it for a longer-term. Its material is very durable denim. It heats up very quickly and the functioning is quick and versatile. Versatility is due to its dual use as a cooling and a heating pad.
However, it might pose a fire threat if placed in the microwave for too long. If you are looking for targeted pain relief then you can have a look at various sizes offered in this heat pillow.
What to look for in a heating pad before buying
Although I have mentioned a few worth buying options, you must carry out complete research before buying any heating pad. A few points that you should look for during your search are as follows:
- Type of heat
Generally, there are dry and moist heat-producing bags. Don’t go for a dry heat pad if you have sensitive skin. A new type is the infrared heating pad, and it is much talked about. They are the latest heating pads and have more temperature facilities and advanced controls.
- Size
As you are looking for the neck or shoulders, a small-sized heating pad will also do the job. However, if you want it to cover your back as well, then go for a larger one.
- Heat settings
If you plan on sharing the product with someone, then you must buy one with versatile heat settings. Also, ensure that the one you are buying has a quick heat-up time as nobody wants a delay when they are in pain.
- Materials
Carefully analyze the material used in the manufacture of the heating pad. It should have features such as durability, comfort, washing machine-friendly, etc. Double-check if you have any allergies.
- Length of cord
If you are going for an electric heating pad, make sure that the cord is long enough for you to conveniently use it from a comfortable spot such as a bed or couch. This is not a factor to consider if you are opting for a microwavable heating pad.
Conclusion
This was all about the best heating pads for back/neck/ shoulder pain. From giving a brief intro about heating pads, their use and advantage, neck pain, and some worth-considering options, I also included some important factors to look for in a heating pad in the end as a bonus. Hopefully, this article was helpful for you!
