Back pain, be it chronic or once in a blue moon, can be pretty discomforting. Well, it is one such pain that worsens with prolonged sitting and standing and also makes simple activities like standing up straight, walking, or going from standing to sitting challenging.
Thus, it has the potential to disrupt people’s daily activities.
Have you, after spending long hours sitting in front of a computer, noticed a dull ache in your lower back that tends to intensify after a full day of work? Have you occasionally experienced sharp pains when you stand up after sitting for an extended period?
This sharp pain, dull pain, stiffness in your back, or occasional tingling sensations down your leg when the pain flares up are signs of back pain. Seek medical advice if any of these symptoms have become persistent in your daily life:
- Dull or Sharp Pain (the intensity of the pain may vary)
- Stiffness that makes it difficult to move or stand up straight.
- Involuntary muscle Spasms in the back
- Difficulty in bending, twisting, or moving the back as freely as usual
- Pain radiates from the back to other areas, such as the legs or arms.
- Sensations of numbness or tingling
- The pain worsens after sitting for prolonged periods or lifting heavy objects.
We all know by now that back pain can hinder us from enjoying our daily activities. Before taking any steps you take to get relief from back pain, we suggest talking to your doctor. Though there are some self-care steps one may take to get relief from back pain, the most important is to speak to a doctor to prevent any harm to your strained muscles in the back.
Of all the self-care tips and management techniques to prevent back pain, heat therapy has proven to be highly effective. The benefits of heat therapy for back pain are scientifically validated, and more studies are being done to prove its effectiveness.
Benefits of Heat Therapy For Back Pain
Who would’ve thought that the secret to giving relief to your pain and stiffness comes with a heating pad that must have been hiding in your kitchen cabinets for a long? Heat therapy has the potential to make you feel fantastic and realize how heating pads are basically the unsung heroes of your back pain saga.
Check out the benefits of heat therapy for back pain. These benefits have their foundation in various studies done in this regard. Here are some of the scientifically supported benefits of heat therapy:
Muscle Relaxation
Heat therapy done with safe heating pads supports muscle relaxation by promoting vasodilation, causing blood vessels to widen. This increased blood flow brings essential nutrients to the muscles, reducing muscle spasms and stiffness. Furthermore, the application of heat enhances flexibility and range of motion, facilitating more manageable and more comfortable movement.
Pain Relief
Why is heat therapy suggested? Majorly for this reason, the application of heat reduces the transmission of pain signals to the brain. The warmth generated by heat therapy helps change the perception of pain, providing a comforting sensation and contributing to overall pain relief. This significant benefit of heat therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing discomfort associated with various musculoskeletal conditions.
Reduced Inflammation
Go with ice therapy when there is a sudden acute injury with inflammation. But practice heat therapy for conditions such as chronic back pain. It promotes vasodilation, which is a process that contributes to a reduction in inflammation for individuals dealing with persistent pain and discomfort.
Soft Tissue Extensibility
Muscles, tendons, and ligaments love heat therapy as it increases their flexibility. It is a piece of great news for anyone dealing with tight or tense muscles because the extra flexibility makes moving around much more accessible. So, when you use heat therapy, it’s like giving your muscles a VIP pass to move more freely and say goodbye to stiffness.
Stress Reduction
Heat therapy promotes relaxation. It alleviates stress and tension. The soothing warmth provides physical comfort and a sense of calmness. Integrating heat therapy into a wellness routine offers both physical and mental relief.
How To Use Heating Pads/ How To Reap The Most Out Of Heat Therapy
Choose the Right Heating Pad: We suggest using a heating pad that doesn’t require electricity to heat. Heating pads from Express Heat Therapy are so easy and safe to use, the best part being they are not dependent on electricity for heating. Thus, an on-the-go, fully portable, and safe-to-use heating pad should be your priority when choosing the heating pad for yourself.
Apply the Heating Pad: Lay the heating pad on the target area (lower back). Make sure that the heating pad covers the affected area adequately. The heating pads from Express Heat Therapy are designed to give full coverage to the target body area.
Relax and Enjoy: Lie down or sit comfortably and relax while the heat works its magic.
Pay attention to how your skin feels during the session. If you experience discomfort, redness, or any unusual sensations, discontinue use immediately.
Post-Heating Pad Care: After using the heating pad, allow your skin to cool down naturally.
Storage: Store the heating pad properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Warmth Gist
Remember, individual responses to heat therapy may vary, and it’s essential to use heating pads responsibly to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Anyone with acute injuries, inflammation, or specific medical conditions should pause and first consult their healthcare professional before using heat therapy.
