4 Best Heating Pads for Back Pain Relief 2023

Back pain is a condition in which a person feels soreness, tenderness, and aches in the back muscles or in the area where the back muscles connect to other parts of the body. The muscular area involved in back pain includes the muscles that support the rear portion of the body, extending from the shoulders to the hips.

Back pain has been diagnosed as a foremost cause of disability on the global level. It is usually classified into three types:

• Axial pain or mechanical pain – Confined to a single area or muscle
• Referred pain – Dull and achy in character, and it tends to move around the body
• Radicular pain

Now, how can you treat back pain without taking any medication or following an exercise regime? Well, the answer is short: HEATING PAD!

Nothing is better than a heating pad for instant relief from back pain. Although it provides short-term relief, it will comfort your muscles brilliantly. It is a type of heat therapy that helps manage pain mainly by boosting blood, oxygen, and nutrient circulation to the targeted/damaged tissue and muscles.

Best Heat Pads for Back

I bought 12 top-rated heating pads from Amazon. These 4 received positive feedback from my clients.

Qutool Heating Pad

How can this brilliant home gadget be explained? Probably with two simple words: WEARABLE THERMOTHERAPY! Yes, it is what it is! And this thermotherapy is for full-body relaxation, not only back.

Qutool Heating Pad is suitable for the neck, shoulders, and back. It is made to provide relief from pain and treat cramps immediately. The direct stream of heat delivered to the damaged tissue by this fantastically large heating pad makes it a good pick.

Due to its flexible layout, it can be placed on any part of the body. Feel free to use it as a lap warmer.

With its snug fit, it lets the soothing heat penetrate the skin for quick relief. It never slips or falls out, making it a convenient option to use outside.

To allow you to set the pad at the desired temperature, you can pick any of the six options. And the installation of fast-heating technology coupled with an auto-shutoff timer ensures that…it is strong and equally safe at a time. It gives all the cozy feel with its 300GSM warm flannel cover.

Calming Heat Massaging Weighted Heating Pad

Calming Heat Massaging Weighted Heating Pad is designed to fit well. It feels contoured to your body, preventing heat loss.

Its specialty is the targeted heat therapy it provides to your muscles. Just like its name, it calms your aching joints and muscles. Moreover, it works without feeling the need for constant readjusting. It tends to stay where you place it.

To keep the touch of luxury, it is made of super comfy fabric to offer high-density comfort.

For deep, penetrating relief, make the most of vibration massage. It is lightweight, so it does not feel heavy when placed on the back. The added benefit of heat-absorbing clay beads that are infused helps to trap and evenly distribute the needed heat.

Thermotex Far Infrared Heating Pad

Do you want to get rid of your constant pain and aching muscles? We have chosen the best options for treating back pain for you! What else is better than using a far-infrared heating pad?

With the use of advanced technology infused with infrared waves’ for safe use, Thermotex’s Far Infrared Heating Pad relieves your pain in no time.

It provides deep penetrating heat to the skin that directly hits the damaged underlying muscles and tissues. That is why it delivers instant relief. Besides, it is FDA approved, and ISO-certified device ensuring it is safe to use for people of all ages.

Apart from circulation, this back heating pad reduces lactic acid and inflammation. You can easily clean and wash it without worrying about the quality.

It is durable and reliable. But always wash it on a gentle cycle. It seems a suitable treatment for arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, and sports injuries. Moreover, it is equipped with Extreme versatility. Choose what intensity of heat suits you.

GoHeat Cordless Sunbeam Heating Pad

This reliable heating pad offers hands-free use. No matter where you are going, you can take it with you because the GoHeat Cordless Sunbeam Heating Pad is cordless and compact. Moreover, you can multitask without being restricted to a place. Get relief from your pain anywhere and anytime!

Once your batteries have been charged, you can store them in the convenient battery unit designed into the pad in the shape of a pocket. It is portable and easy to maintain.

GoHeat heating pad has a quick heat-up time, as well. This back heating pad brilliantly improves circulation and relaxes the muscles. It would help if you chose it for high-level heat therapy.

You can place it over this top heated pad for back over legs, arms, shoulders, and back – pretty multi-purpose it is.

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How to use a heating pad for back pain?

It is very simple to use a heating pad for back pain. To avoid direct skin contact, place it on your back with a thin material in between (the pad and skin). Or, you can lay over it, but don’t forget to keep a film in between.

No matter how safe it is, remove the pad every 15 to 30 minutes. If you notice irritability, overheating, burning, or uncomfortably, do not use it.

How long should you use a heating pad for back pain?

The time of use for a heating pad is based on the heating intensity or temperature setting. If you have set it to the higher range, keep the pad on the back as long as for 15 minutes maximum. If it is placed on the lowest setting, you can keep it for an hour. But not exceed the limit of 1hr.

Heating pad FAQs

How much is a heating pad?

Several characters help determine the price of a heating pad. Depending on the quality, type of heated pad, and extra features, the cost can vary hugely. A disposable heat pad can be purchased for only a few dollars, whereas a high-end heating pad can cost as much as $1000. But on average, the range is $50 to $200.

How hot does a heating pad get?

Every heating pad has a specific time that it takes to heat up to a certain temperature. On average, the heating pad can get as hot as 135°F to 140°F. It is a safe temperature limit and enough to deliver warmth without being too hard on the skin to cause burns.

How long should you lay on a heating pad?

First, you should always avoid laying down over a heating pad, no matter the type and quality. Laying on a heating device leaves no place for air to circulate, which can harm your sensitive skin tissues because of excessive heat. Direct exposure of skin to the heating pad is never recommended.

If you are lying on the pad, the duration must be at least 20 minutes. There are no such complex rules, but this time limit seems to work just fine. Depending on how bad the pain is, you can make the times a little longer or shorter.

How to get rid of heating pad burns?

Heating pads can be a big burn risk for the elderly population. If it is not treated on time, it can change your skin cells and damage fibers. You will be able to see skin discoloration.

The best way to get rid of the burns caused by the heating pad is to cool the burnt area instantly.

Once you have removed the hot pad, splash water and let the skin cool. You must cool down the skin within 30 seconds. Never use ice for cooling. The skin is exposed to cool water to minimize the after-effects and severity of the burn. 

Avoid coming into direct contact with anything hot (steam, liquid, or an object) that has burned your skin.

Where do I put a heating pad for sciatica?

In all honesty, using a heating pad to relieve pain is not a good way to treat it. Although people are benefiting from heat therapy, it is still not recommended. Because it will only make the pain go away temporarily, and the heat could cause fluid buildup, making the pain worse.

But if you are determined to apply and have been advised by the doctor, you can use it. But place it sensibly.

It is ideal for placing your heating pack over the rear pelvis region. It is the spot where the sciatic nerve roots are. Moreover, you can apply the pack where you feel the worst sciatic pain, such as the calf or thigh. But primarily, your target should be the lower back.

How long can you leave a heating pad on?

The maximum time you should keep your heating pad on your aching body part (muscles and joints) is 20 minutes. It would help if you never crossed the duration, or else you might face a heating pad burn, skin irritation, or redness.

Depending on the body’s tolerance level and pain intensity, the time can be increased. But, keep a close check on the temperature settings. 

At HIGH heat, limit the time to 15 minutes, but you can keep it as long as you don’t feel uncomfortable or start overheating on LOW heat. Avoid using it for more than 1 hr. even if you use it on a low setting.

How many watts does a heating pad use?

There are no specifically defined wattages that the heating pads can use. The wattage can vary based on size, type, and technology. On average:

• For the small heating pads: low wattage of 20 watts 
• For the medium heating pads: 40 watts 
• For the large (XL, XXL) heating pads: 60 watts

How to make a flax seed heating pad?

You can find multiple types of flaxseed. The most suitable pick for making a heating pad is whole flaxseeds. It will make your pad last longer. Besides, a cozy homemade microwavable flaxseed heating pad seems like a perfect idea to keep the cold away. This is also a good option for pregnant women.

Materials 

• Sewing Machine
• Pins
• 100% cotton fabric (approximately 6-8 inches in width and 30 inches in length)
• Thread
• Cotton Fabric
• Flaxseeds

Procedure

1. Folding your fabric/cotton piece in half widthwise, keeping the right side facing in.
2. Pin the long and short edges.
3. Close the short edge by stitching.
4. Stitch the long side with a 1/3rd inch to half-inch seam allowance.
5. After sealing the outer edges, take the right side of the fabric out.
6. Please make the necessary pining and stitching to make it look like a tube.
7. Grab a funnel or create one with a paper cone.
8. Fill the bag with flax seeds leaving an inch where the stitching ends.

Additional Questions

What is the top-rated heating pad?

When it comes to the absolute best heating pad in the market, the Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad truly stands out of the crowd. This product is known for its high-quality construction and reliable warmth delivery, which is why it tops the list in ratings. Whether you’re nursing a bad cramp, trying to soothe sore muscles after a hard workout, or you’re just looking to chase away the chill on a cold night, this heating pad provides consistent, comforting heat. Having used it personally, I can vouch for its quality and efficacy, making it my go-to recommendation. So, the #1 rated heating pad is the Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad.

What are the best heating pads for lower back pain?

Awaiting your input…

What is the most versatile heating pad available?

The Pure Enrichment’s PureRelief XL is not just any heating pad; it’s a versatile tool that delivers beneficial warmth to any part of your body that needs it. With its sizeable 12 x 24 inches dimension, it can conveniently cover large areas like your back, shoulders, and even your entire abdomen. Whether you need relief from muscle tension in your arms or soothing warmth on your calves after a long day of standing and walking, this pad has got you covered. I’ve regularly used mine to soothe aching muscles and it’s never let me down. So, if you’re searching for a multipurpose heating solution, I’d recommend Pure Enrichment’s PureRelief XL as the top choice.

Is it safe to use a heating pad on your back every day?

While a heating pad can provide comforting warmth and soothing relief from pain and tension, its daily and prolonged use can potentially lead to contact burns, particularly if used without a protective barrier on the skin. It’s not just something I’ve read in medical advise articles, but a lesson I’ve learned from personal experience too. I once used a heating pad daily for my persistent lower back pain, and ended up developing a rash due to the continuous exposure to high heat. However, this doesn’t mean that heating pads are harmful, they just need to be used safely. So, while it is technically okay to use a heating pad on your back every day, caution must be exercised to prevent skin burns and related issues.

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