Warmth and heat have long been associated with comfort and relaxation. But heat therapy in the form of a heating pad goes a step further, easing many types of pain. Heat increases blood flow and speeds up your metabolic rate to assist healing.
Lower back pain is a common physical complaint. The treatment of back pain falls into two categories. Conservative treatment includes exercise, medications, physical therapy and other nonoperative therapies. Surgical treatment includes laminectomy, diskectomy and spinal fusion for select conditions. The good news is that 90 to 95 percent of all back problems can be treated successfully without surgery, according to a recent Cleveland Clinic study. And heating pads are now widely beneficial treatments recommended by doctors to relieve back pain.
In a nationwide sports medicine study, researchers found that low-level heat therapy is more effective than over-the-counter oral medications for relieving low back pain. Participants were given either the maximum recommended nonprescription dosages of ibuprofen and acetaminophen or heat wrap therapy for 2 days to treat acute low back pain. Results showed that the heat wrap therapy provided significantly more pain relief beginning on the first day of treatment than the oral medications.
What to Look for
There are a variety of different heating pads to choose from. Conair, a leading manufacturer of nationally branded personal and body massage small appliances, has a massaging heating pad that provides comfort to sore muscles on any area of the body.
Herbal heating packs, originally designed for use by massage therapists before or after treatment, are popular microwave pads. Moisture helps the heat penetrate and actuates the herbs.
The Thermotex portable therapy system can be used at home, in the office or while driving to provide effective temporary pain relief. These heating pads use an alternative type of heating called "far infrared," which is a band of light perceived as heat. Infrared rays heat the body without having to heat the air between through a process called "conversion."
Designed with all back pain sufferers in mind, a lumbar backpack has an adjustable Velcro closure to secure its moist heat. A couple of minutes in the microwave will give you up to an hour of back pain relief. Also, it provides lumbar support while sitting.
Common Pitfalls
Heat treatment is not recommended for people with circulatory impairment or decreased sensation. Talk to your doctor, who can discuss the potential benefits and risks with you. Though many people benefit from heating pads, results may vary. Not everyone responds to the treatment the same way.
Electric heating pads are usually regarded as a relatively safe household product, but they must be used properly. Prolonged use on one area can cause a severe burn, even when the heating pad is at a low temperature setting.
Always inspect a heating pad before each use to make sure it is in proper working order. Discard it if the electrical cord is frayed. Read and follow all instructions before using any heating pad.
