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Heating Pads for Back Pain

The use of a heating pad can be an effective non-surgical treatment for the relief of back pain. Heat may relieve pain but it won't cure the cause of chronic back pain.

  1. How Heat Helps

    • Heating pads relax the back muscles to reduce painful spasms, and facilitate the stretching of the injured tissues to reduce stiffness. Heat stimulates sensory receptors to decrease pain signals to the brain.

    Using a Heating Pad

    • Place a towel in between the skin and heating pad to avoid burning the skin, and set the heating pad so that it is warm, not hot. Use the heating pad for 20 to 30 minutes at a time; never fall asleep with the heating pad on.

    Contraindications

    • Heating pads should not be used for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury occurs; also, if the painful area is swollen or bruised do not use a heating pad, as heat causes increased blood flow. Do not use on open wounds or if you suffer from dermatitis, deep vein thrombosis, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or severe cognitive impairment.

    Considerations

    • Patients should check with their treating doctors if they have heart disease or hypertension before using a heating pad.

    Types of Heating Pads

    • Moist/dry heating pads that are electric and feature a temperature control are best for regulating the amount of heat. Microwave heating pads should be used with caution to avoid burning skin.

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