Heat therapy is proven to offer instant relief from many types of back pains. In fact, the qualities of heat have been long associated with relaxation and comfort. Heat therapy comes in many forms such as heating pads, warm gel packs, hot baths, and heat wraps. The best thing about this treatment method is it is inexpensive and effective at the same time. Here are the benefits of a heating pad for back pain.
Most of the time, back pains result from over-exertions or strains of the back muscles. This will create a tension in the muscle and tissues around the lower spine area. This can restrict the proper circulation in the area which in turn sends pain signals to the brain. Heat therapy is very effective in relieving this type of pain.
There are several ways how heat therapy can provide such relief. The process will dilate the blood vessels of the muscles in the lumbar area. This helps increase the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles which heal the damaged tissue or tissues. Heat can stimulate the sensory receptors in the area. This helps decrease the transmission of pain signs to the brain which will relieve the pain associated with the condition.
On the other hand, application of heat will facilitate the stretching of soft tissues in the area. This helps decrease the stiffness and increases the flexibility in the area. Flexibility is important for a healthy back, and you will feel more comfortable as a result. There are numerous other advantages of heat therapy. It is quite inexpensive and free most of the time.
The process is quite easier to administer compared to most of the other methods. You may apply the treatment while at home or while traveling in your car. There are portable heat pads for this purpose. The therapy is mostly appealing because it is a non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical form of lower back treatment.
There are times when heat pads should not be administered without the approval of a qualified heath care provider. If the lower back is bruised or swollen, you should not use heat pads to treat any pain. On the other hand, if you have deep vein thrombosis, dermatitis, severe cognitive impairment, open wounds in the back area, peripheral vascular disease or diabetes, you should not apply any heat pads for back pains. It is best to consult your doctor who will advise you on the best course of action to take under such circumstances.
Heat pads are an inexpensive form of treatment for many types of lower back pains. Millions of people across the world suffer from different types of lower back pains. Heat pads can be used alone or in combination with another therapy to treat back pains. But there are times when heat therapy is not the best option for lower back pain such as when you have dermatitis, severe cognitive impairment, open wounds in the back area, and diabetes. A heating pad for back pain is quite effective under normal conditions.
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