I suffer from back pain some times, ever since my 30's and one of the things that helps me is heat on my back. This was of course approved by a doctor amongst other treatments.
I am not a Healthcare professional and if you suffer from any sort of pain it is advised to get it checked out by a healthcare professional first.
However, if Heat is medically approved, it is one of the easiest and comforting ways to ease aches, stiffness, and tension.
Over the years I’ve tried several different types of heat pads, and I like two in particular for different reasons. One is adhesive heat pads and the other is a reusable electric heat pad. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Stick On Heat Pads
Stick on heat pads are single use adhesive patches that warm up gradually once exposed to air. The ones I buy can be useful for 8, 12 or even 24 hours. They vary in size but if I have back pain I try to get the larger sizes. I only ever wear them in the daytime, never at night as personally I would be concerned about safety and comfort.
They are slim and lightweight so they can be worn over underwear and under normal clothing. You need to stick them on to a piece of clothing, never on to bare skin, the adhesive is quite strong.
I find they don't restrict me, although I am aware of them and they do give a nice gentle heat. They are very good for the days I need to be out and about shopping or gardening or errands for example, but still need a heat source on my back for comfort.
Advantages Of Stick On Heat Pads
- The warmth is gentle and lasts for however many hours. It says on the packet how long you can expect it to last which is generally 8,12 or 24 hours and they are simple to use. You simply peel way the strips on the back and stick on to clothing, never bare skin. Within a minute or two you can feel the warmth.
- They’re discreet and easy to wear over underwear and under normal clothing and ideal for days when I need to be active. I often wear one when I am gardening as it helps keep the muscles warm and is lovely on cold days!
- Another use for them is if you have to be out and about on a freezing cold day they can be a helpful to keep you a little warmer.
- I imagine if you need to be out watching sports in cold weather they could also give you enough added warmth to be a bit more comfortable.
- I keep a pack in the car, just in case we break down and need extra heat. My husband has serious health conditions that mean he gets cold very quickly, which can be unsafe for him, so warm blankets and adhesive heat pads in the car make him feel safer. We of course checked with his Doctor first that this was suitable for him.
Disadvantages
- They are single use, which isn't great for the environment and if you need to use daily or often it can become very expensive to keep buying them.
- The heat they give is not a deep heat but is a comforting warmth, so if you need a deeper, more intense heat they might not be enough.
- If you are unlucky enough to have pain on a hot day, having a heat pad on your back might be more uncomfortable in hot weather.
- You need to ensure they are stuck on firmly, this is not usually an issue as the adhesive is usually quite strong, but i prefer to have a belt and braces approach and like to wear them over underwear and under jeans or trousers rather than just over underwear, just in case they drop off causing an embarrassing situation!
Electric Heat Pads
Electric heat pads are usually a large or decent sized heat pad which plug into the wall via a long lead.
They usually allow you to adjust the time they are on for and the intensity of heat for very mild to quite hot.
You can't move around with these electric heat pads and so are better to use when resting, working at a computer or doing desk paperwork, sitting or lying down or watching TV. Below is a close up of the heat pads on my machine.
I always use mine when I am wearing clothing, never on bare skin for safety and comfort reasons.
Never use an electric heat pad when sleeping for safety reasons.
Advantages Of Electric Heat Pads
- You buy one and they can be used many times so if you use heat a lot they can be cost effective.
- I like the ease of setting different temperatures and times and that it is so adaptable to what i need at any given time or day. Mine uses a simple Heat plus and Heat minus and Time Plus and Time Minus, so it is very simple to operate.
- They heat up quickly, which is especially good when my back is stiff especially after gardening.
- They can be set to considerably warmer than adhesive heat pads, which can be useful if you need a higher heat.
- On my model once you set the time, it will cut out after that time period which is a useful safety feature and a feature to look for if you are buying one.
- They are usually significantly larger than the adhesive heat pads and so are very good for the back, hips, shoulders or legs, warming up a much bigger area which is often very helpful.
Disadvantages
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You are tethered to where there is a plug point and cannot move around.
So you need to use only when resting. I don't generally find this a
problem especially if I need some heat to help my achy muscles after
doing garden work.
-
There is usually a much bigger financial cost up front, though cost per
use goes down if you use it a lot.
-
Check where the connections are that link the pad to the lead as on
some models they are in uncomfortable positions.
-
It must cool down completely before storing away which can take some
time and be a bit awkward if you need to keep it stored away when not
using.
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You will need to make sure you have a place to store it and use it away
from children and pets.
Alerts and Warnings
With electric heat pads it is strongly advised to keep away from children and pets. Clearly electricity is involved and higher heat levels are possible.
Also obviously keep electric heat pads away from water or any liquids.
Store electric heat pads flat and allow to cool down completely before putting away.
Routinely check wires and connections and the general condition of the electric heat pad for safety purposes.
Store both adhesive heat pads and electric heat pads out of reach of children and pets. Even with the stick on heat pads they do get warm and its advisable to keep away from children and pets as because they use a strong adhesion if they were to get stuck on to a delicate body or face area or pet fur for example it could be unpleasant and unsafe. So store them out of reach of children and pets.
How I Use The Different Types Of Heat Pads
I like using both types so if I have any back pain I tend to use the adhesive heat pads on busy days out of the home when I need to do shopping, errands, walk in the freezing cold, gardening, appointments and days out and to keep in the car.
I use the electric heat pad when I can sit down and relax so if i read or watch TV or chatting, or even when doing paperwork, computer work or life admin. I have the electric heat pad on my back right now.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages but I feel if you are medically safe to use heat and it is medically advised for you and your condition and it helps you, to have both is a useful choice.
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A Review Of Stick On Heat Pads and Electric Heat Pads by Raintree Annie
