How long heating pad on back

As long as you keep them on, they can work their magic. Since heating pads can easily injure your skin, be sure to keep the following in mind if you use them. It's not a good idea to turn your heating pad to the highest setting right away. Start with the lowest setting and increase the heat gradually, if necessary.

You'll find that the low setting produces just enough heat for minor aches and pains. Pregnancy and back pain go hand in hand. If you do use a heating pad to relieve back pain while pregnant, limit your time with it. Prolonged heat can put the fetus in danger and lead to complications such as neural tube defects.

There are no shortage of heating pads on the market so it's important to find the right one for your ideal situation. If you're facing moderate to severe pain, opt for an infrared heating pad as it can penetrate into the muscles more deeply. Finally, it is important to use enough insulation between the heat source and the skin to avoid overheating or burning the skin. Please note that heat should not be used in certain circumstances. For example, if the lower back is swollen or bruised, heat should not be used.

Patients should consult doctors if they have heart disease or hypertension. Heat application is also not suitable in the following cases:. In general, if the injured area is swollen or bruised it is better to apply ice or a cold pack to reduce the swelling.

Toning, strengthening, and stretching your hip adductors…. Contrast bath therapy is a series of brief, repeated immersions in water, alternating between warm and cold temperatures.

According to research…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Timothy Gossett, M. Takeaway We include products we think are useful for our readers. Benefits of heat therapy for back pain. How to use an electric heating pad. Precautions and safety tips. How to make a homemade heating pad. When to use heat and when to use ice.

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