Joint pain, muscle spasms stiffness, and joint pain back can hinder flexibility and hamper the physical activities you enjoy. While medications can be effective in eliminating the inflammation, heat therapy also helps with back pain.
The therapy described here isn't something new. Its origins go back to the ancient Greeks as well as Egyptians who relied on the sun's rays to treat ailments. In the past, Chinese and Japanese used hot springs to treat suffering.
Nowadays, you don't need to travel outside to find relief. Heating pads make it much easier and more convenient to utilize the therapy of heat. Here's a look at the advantages of heat therapy for the back..
Benefits of using heat therapy to treat back discomfort
Heating therapy is a powerful solution for back pain as it increases circulation and allows oxygen and nutrients to flow to joints and muscles. This helps heal injured muscles, reduces inflammation and helps reduce back stiffness visit for more information best infrared heating pad..
Any kind of heat therapy is able to help alleviate back discomfort. But heating pads are the best as they're easy to use and transportable. They're also powered by electricity, which means they can be used anywhere within your home, like sitting in bed, or on the sofa.
Warm or hot baths offer humid heat that can increase circulation and ease the stiffness and pain in muscles. Bathing can be beneficial in the event of stiffness or pain in different parts of your body too.
The issue with baths but it's hard to maintain the temperature of the water. This water's temperature can slowly become cooler.
On the other hand heating pads can be adjusted and offer a continuous flow of heatfor as long as the pad is on.
If you do not have heating pads, taking the time to soak in a warm bath or taking a bath can help relieve stiffness and back pain. One advantage of a hot bath and shower is the continuous warmth like the heating pad.
How do you make use of the electric heat pad
Heating pads made of electricity can become hot fast and cause injury to the skin, making it crucial to use them properly.
Always begin with the lowest setting.
For the first time, turn the heating pad at its lowest settings. If you are experiencing minor pain and aches the lowest setting may suffice to ease stiffness and pain. It is possible to gradually increase the amount of the heat, if necessary.
There are no strict or quick rules for the length of time you can apply a heating pad to your back. It's all dependent on the degree of pain and tolerance to heating. If you're using the heating pad at an extremely high setting, you should remove it within 15-30 minutes to avoid burning.
At a lower setting you can utilize heat pads for longer periods that could be up to an hour.
Use caution if you're pregnant
If you're pregnant or have problems with your back, it's okay to utilize heating pads. It is best to avoid exposure for long periods as overheating is dangerous for a developing pregnant fetus. It can cause neural tube defects, as well as other issues.
It's more likely to happen in the spa as well as a sauna However, it is best to erron in the direction of caution. Make use of a heating pad with the lowest setting when pregnant but only for 10 - 15 mins.
Because heating pads can reduce pain signals and boost circulation, you should use them immediately after a flare-up of pain or stiffness in order to speed up the healing process.
The different types of heating pads
There are a variety of heating pads available to treat back discomfort. This includes the standard electric heating pad with different temperature settings.
It is also possible to use using an infrared heat pad. This can be helpful in cases of moderate to extreme pain because the heat gets deep into muscles.
If you are looking for a heating pad, choose one that features an automatic shut-off function to stop the pad from burning or overheating in the event that you fall asleep upon the mat.
You can purchase electric heating pads in your local pharmacy, or purchase one on the internet..
Gel packs
In the event that you do not have a heat pad it is possible to use an heat wrap or gel under your clothes.
Prior to using a gel pack to apply it, heat it into the microwave and cook for approximately one to two minutes (follow the instructions on the package) After that, apply to your back, which is aching. There are also gel packs to treat cold.
You can purchase gel packs and heat wraps at the local pharmacy or purchase these on the internet..
Safety tips and precautions
Heating pads work well for managing pain, but they can also be harmful if utilized in the wrong way. Here are some precautions to avoid injuries.
- Do not place the heating pad or Gel pack on the skin. Wrap the pad in a towel prior to applying it to your skin to prevent burns.
- Do not fall asleep with an electric heating pad.
- If you are you are using the heating pad begin with the lowest temperature and gradually increase the intensity.
- Avoid using an electric heater that has broken or cracked electrical cord.
- Avoid applying an heating pad to your damaged skin.
The steps to making a DIY heating pad
If you don't own a heating pad or a heating pad, you can create your own by using the materials you have in your home.
To make this work to work, you'll need an old cotton socks regular rice and a sewing device or a thread and needle.
Fill the old sock up with rice leaving just enough room on the top for sewing the ends to form a sock. After that, you can put the sock into the microwave for approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
After the microwave has stopped at the end of the microwave, remove the sock and place it on your back. If the sock gets too hot, allow it to cool down or cover it with a cloth prior to applying.
It is also possible to use the rice sock to create an alternative to a cold compress. Simply place it inside the fridge prior applying it to any acute injuries.
When to utilize heat and when to utilize Ice
Be aware that heating isn't recommended for all types of back discomfort. It can ease stiffness and pain that is chronic like those that are associated with arthritis as well as other muscular or joint problems.
If your back injury is not too long-standing it is better to use cold therapy. It is efficient because it narrows blood vessels and lessens swelling, which can ease discomfort.
Utilize cold therapy during the initial 24-48 hours following an injury. After that, shift to heat therapy in order to boost blood flow and speed up healing.
The main takeaway
A stiff, sore back makes it hard to perform anything from working out to exercising. The use of heat therapy could be the answer to reducing stiffness and inflammation.
If you don't have a heater you can try taking a hot bath, shower or even a DIY heating pad. They can give you the results you require to get back on track.