Benefits of Heat Therapy for Lower Back Pain

Benefits of Heat Therapy for Lower Back Pain

Almost everyone experiences back pain at some point in their lives. Whether it stems from over-exertion or strain, back pain can create tension in the muscles and soft tissue surrounding the spine.

Muscle cramps that occur from lower back injury can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, leaving the person unable to move normally in some cases. Heat therapy can help relieve muscle tension, stiffness, and spasms. 

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    SACKSY THYME Microwavable Large Heating Pad:

    This heating pad provides amazing moist heat which penetrates deep into muscles to relieve tension, stress, cramps, tightness and help boost circulation. It can also be used cold- just place it in the freezer for whenever you need cold therapy relief! The Pad is Versatile & is perfect for CRAMPS, BACK ACHE, STRESS RELIEF, NECK & SHOULDER TENSION, SINUS PRESSURE, EAR ACHE, TMJ, KNEES, ELBOWS, BACK, & MORE! Or cuddle with it on a cold night!

    How does Heat Therapy work?

    • Heat therapy works by dilating the blood vessels of the muscles surrounding the spine, increasing the oxygen flow and nutrients to the muscles, which then assists in healing the damaged tissue.
    • When heat is applied to the lower back, it stimulates the sensory receptors in the epidermis, decreasing the brain's pain signals, which partially relieves the discomfort.  
    • Heat application also helps stretch the soft tissue and muscles around the spine, increasing flexibility.

    Heat therapy works best in most situations when combined with other treatments, such as physical therapy, massage, and exercise.  

    It is important to note that heat therapy works best at a "warm" temperature so that it penetrates the muscle and tissue. Increasing the skin temperature will do little to decrease lower back pain discomfort, so it is important to remember this when using heat therapy.



    What is the Best Method for Using Heat?

    When using a Microwavable Hot Therapy Relief Heating pad that emits heat, always take precautions to protect your skin. For example, placing a thin towel between you and the Heating pad will help prevent burns or other skin damage. When taking a hot bath, be careful to avoid any sudden temperature changes that could cause harm.

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    SACKSY THYME Hot Therapy relief Microwavable Lavender Heating Pad to relief Pain:

    The Sacksy Thyme Microwavable Heating pad is the ultimate solution for all types of pain. Whether you are suffering from backaches, muscle soreness or menstrual cramps, this heating pad is designed to provide fast and effective relief. With its innovative design and high-quality materials, it offers a convenient and safe way to alleviate pain without any hassle. The Pad is Versatile & it can be used on various body parts, including the back, neck, shoulders, knee, and abdomen.

    When you feel pain, you should apply heat to the affected areas of your back and joints. However, some of the pain may linger after you remove the heating pad, so be prepared and take extra caution when moving around. You can use a heating pad on your back as you go to bed and remove it once you sleep.

    Types of Heat Therapy: Dry vs. Moist Heat



    Dry heat, such as electric heating pads and saunas, removes moisture from the body and may leave the skin dehydrated.

    Moist heat penetrates deeper into the muscle and tissue than dry heat, helping to alleviate spasms and tightness and increase flexibility. Hot baths, steamed towels, or microwavable heating pads, such as Sacksy Thyme's Herbal Heating & Cooling Pads, are some examples of excellent moist heat sources. 


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      SACKSY THYME Everywhere Sack, Flaxeed and Cherry Pit Heating Pad

      Our most versatile herbal heating pad yet! Our high quality Organic Flaxseed and Cherry Pit filler provides longer lasting moist heat while our Certified Organic herbs tantalize the senses! Perfect density for large areas, like back, stomach, chest, shoulders, and neck. Uses include everything from stiff shoulder and back muscles, to menstrual cramps or belly aches, fibromyalgia, ibs and more.  Can be as a weighted pad for those with anxiety to help them sleep more comfortably.

      How can Heat Therapy Help for Lower Back Pain

      Heat therapy is a popular and effective treatment for lower back pain. It can help to:

      Relieves pain and muscle spasms

      Heat helps to relax muscles and increase blood flow to the affected area. This can help to reduce pain and muscle spasms. Muscle spasms are a common cause of lower back pain. When muscles are in spasm, they are tight and contracted. This can restrict blood flow and cause pain. Heat therapy can help to relax the muscles and reduce pain.

      Reduces stiffness

      Heat can also help to reduce stiffness in the lower back. Stiffness can make it difficult to move around and lead to pain. Heat therapy can help to loosen tight muscles and improve flexibility. This can help to reduce stiffness and make it easier to move around.

      Promotes healing

      Heat can also help to promote healing in the lower back. When tissues are injured, they need blood flow and nutrients to heal. Heat can help to increase blood flow to the injured area and bring oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. This can help to speed up the healing process.

      Improves range of motion

      Heat therapy can also help improve the lower back's range of motion. Range of motion is the ability to move the joints through their full range. When the lower back is stiff or painful, the range of motion can be restricted. Heat therapy can help loosen tight muscles and reduce pain, improving range of motion.

      Reduces inflammation

      Heat therapy can also help to reduce inflammation in the lower back. Inflammation is a natural response to injury but can also cause pain and swelling. Heat therapy can help to reduce inflammation by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the affected area. This can help flush out toxins and inflammatory cells, reducing pain and swelling.

      Soothes neuropathic pain

      Neuropathic pain is a type of pain that is caused by damage to the nerves. It can be a common cause of lower back pain. Heat therapy can help to soothe neuropathic pain by increasing blood flow to the affected area and reducing inflammation. This can help to improve nerve function and reduce pain.

      Improves sleep quality

      Chronic pain is a common problem that many people face, and it can significantly impact the quality of sleep. When dealing with chronic pain, it can be a challenge to find a comfortable sleeping position, and the resulting discomfort can lead to a disrupted sleep cycle.

      Heat therapy is an effective way to alleviate pain and muscle tension, improving sleep quality. Applying heat to the affected area helps to increase blood flow and promote relaxation, which can help you fall asleep more easily and enjoy a more restful sleep.

      Incorporating heat therapy into your routine can help manage chronic pain and enjoy a better night's sleep.

      Is affordable and accessible

      Heat therapy is a relatively affordable and accessible treatment for lower back pain. Various heat therapy products are available, such as heating pads, hot water bottles, and electric blankets. Heat therapy can be used at home or in the office, making it a convenient treatment option.

      Heat therapy is a safe and effective treatment for lower back pain. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before using heat therapy if you have any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.

      How to Apply the Proper Amount of Heat

      There are several products available that can provide heat to the affected area. Most of these are inexpensive and can be stored for future use. The most important thing to remember when using heat on the affected area is not to make it too hot, as this can cause burns if you are not able to hold the item comfortably.

      The sources of heat that are commonly used to alleviate back pain are as follows;

      • Heating Pad
      • Water Bottle
      • Gel Packs
      • Hot Towels
      • Hot Bath and More

      When applied correctly, these treatments can help reduce the pain and stiffness associated with lower back pain. However, they must be applied correctly and maintained at a constant temperature for a long enough time to penetrate the skin and work on the muscles in question.

       In addition, your physician or physical therapist can recommend products for you to use.

      Tips on Using Heating Pads

      There are several things to remember when using heating Pads to treat back pain. By following these tips, you can maximize the effectiveness of the treatment while minimizing the risk of further injury.

      Heat therapy should be used for at most 20 minutes at a time. This is because the rest of your muscles are also cooling down, which will mean more stiffness in the rest of your body. Instead, apply the heat for 20 minutes and allow your body to cool down.

      If you have swelling and back pain, use a cold therapy pack to reduce the swelling before applying heat. Starting with heat can worsen the swelling, so begin with a cold pack for 20 minutes.

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        SACKSY THYME Cold Therapy Pack for reducing Inflammation:

        Our Cold Therapy Pack is the ultimate solution for reducing inflammation. This innovative product is designed to provide soothing and effective cold therapy to alleviate discomfort and swelling. Whether you're dealing with back pain, a sports injury, post-surgery recovery, or everyday aches and pains, SACKSY THYME has got you covered.

         

        Don't lie down on a heating pad: doing so can compress the skin and cause burns. Instead, let the heating pad rest on top of your back as you lie on your side or stomach, then remove it before falling asleep.

        When to Avoid Heat Therapy:

        Be advised that there are some situations in which heat therapy should be avoided. For example, do not use heat therapy if the area is swollen or bruised. Patients should consult a doctor if they have heart disease or hypertension. Heat therapy is also not suitable for persons who have the following:



        If you have one of these conditions, you should consult your doctor about the best method for relieving the pain in your back first.

        If the area is swollen or bruised, it is better to apply ice or a cold pack to reduce swelling.

        Sacksythyme's hot therapy relief heating pad can relieve your back pain while taking fewer medications.

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