Heat Therapy For Back Pain
Heat therapy is an easy, affordable, and effective way to help alleviate back pain. This is because it increases blood flow to muscles, promotes relaxation, and eases aches and pains in the back.
Heat can also inhibit pain signals sent to the brain, decreasing discomfort and making you more at ease in yourself. There are various types of heat, such as dry heat from a heating pad or moist heat from taking a warm bath or shower.
The American College of Physicians recommends heat as the first line treatment for back pain due to its generally safe, effective and affordable nature. Studies have demonstrated that patients treated with heat experienced significant relief from their symptoms as well as improved function afterward.
Cold and heat can both be used to treat back pain, but the best choice depends on the underlying cause of your discomfort. Ice is more effective at relieving acute injuries by decreasing swelling and inflammation than heat; if you have an ongoing issue, heat may be more suitable.
If your discomfort is due to a muscle spasm, heat is likely the best remedy as it can relax affected muscles by restoring circulation and relieving pain signals sent to the brain. Muscle spasms are commonly responsible for lower back pain.
For a speedy, convenient, and economical solution, consider using hot water bottles or moist heating packs. Both can be found at local pharmacies or electrical product stores.
Another way to relieve a sore back is with heated towels like those found in the gym. These can be placed over your back for up to 15 minutes in order to relax muscles and increase blood flow to the area.
Before applying heat, be sure to wrap a towel around your back so that no part of the cloth touches your skin. Letting a towel sit over your back for too long can cause skin irritation and burns; thus, be sure to take off the towel after 10 or 15 minutes.
If you are considering heat therapy for a sore back, consult with your doctor, pharmacist or physiotherapist first. This can help determine the most appropriate option for your needs and guarantee its safety during use.
You can purchase a heating pad that provides consistent, low-level heat for extended periods. While these are more expensive than wheat bags, they’re reusable and rechargeable.
Some people may experience slight redness on the area where heat has been applied, but this should dissipate once removed. For a successful application of heat, make sure it’s applied at an appropriate frequency and length of time.
Additionally, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for activation and use. Be mindful that if you overheat either the bag or pads, you may need to replace them.
A study from 2021 demonstrated that moist heat, such as from a heating pad, is more effective at targeting muscle pain than dry heat. This makes it an ideal treatment for back and neck discomfort.
