Are you frequently suffering from neck and shoulder pain?
Do you feel sore after a very busy, long day at work or after a strength training session at the gym?
Or is it normal that in the evening you find the pain creeping on your neck or your shoulder out of nowhere?
Well, that’s true in this fast pace world where you have to keep up with daily chores as well as office work lagging any of the tasks can be a big no.
So shall you continue to do all the work yourself suffering the pain? Certainly, you don’t have to. A heating pad for neck and shoulder pain brings you much-needed relief in just minutes. You can get quick relief and continue with your work at any time of the day with much ease.
Buying Guide For The Best Heating Pad For Neck And Shoulder Pain 2023
When applied to the necessary parts, a heating pad can be very soothing, and the procedure provides more positive results than modern treatment/therapy. Since it can relieve various types of pain, it is considered a miracle way of healing. It’s important to remember, though, that while heat can help with a wide range of issues, it can’t help with all of them. Heat dilates blood vessels, so it’s definitely good for you.
Now you must be convinced how important it is to have a heating pad at home. If you don’t have one and planning to purchase the same or you want to replace your old heating pad with a new one then this article is perfect for you as it provides all the features as well as the price which you need to give special heed before buying the Best Heating Pad For Neck And Shoulder Pain.
Types of Heating Pads:
Electric Heating Pads:
To use these heating pads, simply plug them into an electrical outlet. The heat produced can penetrate deeper than 1/4 inch beneath the skin, but not into muscle tissue. It typically has three heating settings to choose from, and you can change the heat level as required to alleviate pain.
In the event that you fall asleep while it is working, prolonged exposure to this form of heating pad can increase the risk of burns or scars. It’s always safer to go for a model that has an automatic shutoff or a pre-set timer. It is extremely resilient and can be reused several times.
Moist Heating Pads:
As with this heating pad, this Moist Heating Pad is soaked or filled with water before use and therefore uses moist air to relax sore muscles. They are available in the form of microwaveable bags with conducting filler. This category also includes hot water bottles that are encased in special materials to prevent skin burns.
Since they don’t go much deeper than skin level, they’re a little more powerful than standard electrical pads. It won’t irritate your skin, which is a common side effect of dry weather. The moist air will penetrate deep into the muscles, resulting in pain relief that will last for a long time.
Infrared Heating Pads:
While infrared radiation is invisible, the heat it produces can be felt. Heat can penetrate soft muscle tissues since it can penetrate deeper than the skin surface. The heat intensity emitted by this infrared pad is comparable to that produced by the sun.
This infrared heating pad would not be used by anyone with dry skin. It is fitted with electricity and a range of controls. Heating pads are more expensive than other forms of heating pads. Invest in heating pads that have an automatic shut-off feature and several temperature control options.
- Microwave Heating Pads:
The microwave heating pads can be quickly heated in the microwave. Packed with grains such as flaxseeds, wheat, buckwheat, rice, and other insulating grains.
For an effective relief, heat will be applied to the affected areas. They can be worn at any time of day, even while sleeping, and will not penetrate deeper than skin level, allowing you to remain warm on a cold night. The microwave heating pads for the neck and shoulders are more durable and inexpensive than other forms of heating pads.
Chemical Heating Pad:
They come with varying heat patches like moist or dry and can be applied to any part of the body. Won’t require electricity for its work. They are available in small sizes that can be either placed on the affected area directly or worn in a cloth before placing them on the affected area.
Size Of The Heating Pad:
Choose the best size for the area of the body you want to handle. Heating pads come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it easy to find one that meets your requirements.
If you suffer from neck pain, smaller pads will suffice. If you want to hit larger areas like the back, spine, legs, or abdomen, you’ll need to search for a large heating pad with the right amount of coverage.
Ailment:
Before purchasing this heating pad, one should be conscious of the type of pain they are experiencing (or the part of the body they are targeting). A person suffering from chronic neck pain, for example, would benefit from buying and using a neck wrap.
As a result, the user should be aware of the form of ailment for which the heating pad would be used. Often, seek a licensed health professional to decide if you’re suffering from a severe ailment that necessitates more than heat treatment or general pain such as soreness or stiffness from overexertion or back pain.
Heat Source:
After deciding the type of ailment, you must decide which type of heat source or mode of operation you can use to relieve discomfort, stiffness, and soreness. If you live in an area with constant electricity, consider using electric heating pads, which are convenient, simple to operate, and have an automatic shutoff function.
Microwaveable, moist air or a chemical heating pad is superior to microwaveable, moist air, or chemical heating pads while traveling or living in a temporary location due to their ease of use and portability.
Heat-up Time:
The heat-up time refers to the time it takes for the pad to warm up and become ready to use. Although some models necessitate more time, others necessitate less time. It will be a problem for those who are rushing to get to bed or to work.
As a result, for them, pick advanced models that can heat up in seconds and come with a range of extra features while still being more costly. If the heat-up time isn’t a major concern for you, then a heating pad for shoulder pain with a longer heat-up time and effective performance is a better option.
Length of the Power Cord:
If you choose to buy a wired heating pad, pick one that has a long wire which therefore makes it easier to plug into the socket. So that it doesn’t restrict your mobility and helps you to get pain relief in a relaxed manner.
Wireless Capability:
If you’re on the go or want to get the most out of this heating pad, choose one with wireless capability. This gives you the flexibility to use it anywhere to alleviate soreness or stiffness. It allows you to use this heating pad whenever you choose, allowing you to shift or function comfortably even when the pad is in use.
Safety:
You must choose the best neck and shoulder heating pad, which varies from all others in terms of how safe it is to use. Whatever type of heating pad you buy, it should be top-of-the-line in terms of protection and efficiency, as well as known for its reliability and warranty.
Always keep in mind the possible dangers and risks of using this heating belt. Burns will occur if the pad is exposed to infrared radiation on a daily basis or if the pad is left on for an extended period of time. As a result, choose a heating belt that does not jeopardize your safety or health.
Comfort:
Most people these days are too busy during the day to use this heating belt, so they can’t use it during the day. So, for certain individuals, there is some comfortable heating pad that can be used at night. To get relief from tension, strain, and soreness, simply choose some heating pads that are comfortable to use at night before sleeping.
Pad Size:
In general, there are three sizes of pads available on the market (large, medium, and small). As a result, one must select them based on the area of effect, comfort, and size that is ideal for the targeted area.
For example, if you have neck pain and want to reach a wider area such as your shoulders, spine, back, legs, or abdomen, you can search for a large heating pad that covers a larger area of coverage.
Material:
The heating belts are specifically designed to provide relief from aching muscles. It is critical to purchase this pad, which is made of soft materials. So, look for a material that is sturdy and can last for a long time without wearing out. Some fabrics help in the more efficient distribution of heat than other materials.
So, do your homework before buying the heating pad’s stuff. Also, choose something that can be machine washed. The built-in material must be able to pop and retain the heat needed for your intended use. They generate heat and keep it for a long time, effectively relieving pain.
Dry or Moist Heat:
The heating pads, in general, use both dry and moist heat. The dry heat method is the most common, but it is not suitable for those with sensitive skin. Furthermore, frequent exposure to dry heat causes the skin to dehydrate, and electrical models use dry heat.
On the other side, you should invest in moist heating pads, which traps moisture and avoids skin dehydration while also enhancing tissue elasticity and resulting in younger-looking skin.
Auto Switch off Feature:
A special auto-switch-off function is included in some heating pads as an additional safety feature. After a certain number of hours of service, this feature causes the product to turn off automatically. This function not only saves energy but also decreases the risk of burns and other serious injuries.
Wireless Capability:
If the idea of buying a heating pad with a long power cord doesn’t appeal to you, look for one with wireless capabilities. This will allow you to use the heating pad anywhere you want, making it an excellent choice if you need a portable product for work.
Available Price:
While considering the price of a chemical heating pad for neck and shoulder pain, you should take note of your budget. Heating Pads are not costly enough to buy, so they generally fall within your budget. But we consider you to check other features as well rather than simply jumping onto the price factor.
We recommend you buy a high-quality bread slicer as it would serve you best in the long run while if you go for a cheap one you may compromise with its quality which is neither you nor we want.
FAQs for the Best Heating Pad For Neck And Shoulder Pain in 2023
When do you use a heating pad like this?
When you have some kind of discomfort and want to get relief, such as uncomfortable back pain, swollen joints, cramps or tremors, or sore muscles after a strenuous workout, you will need to use this neck and shoulder heating pad. On any wounds, burns, infections, or cuts, do not use heat therapy or a heating belt.
Is it possible to use a heating pad while pregnant?
Yes, they may be used to relieve various pains such as aching backs, joints, necks, and hips, but they must be used with extreme caution because a rise in body temperature can pose a danger to the unborn baby and result in miscarriage.
They may use an electrical or microwavable system, but they will not apply it directly to the skin or use it for more than 20 minutes. Using the lowest temperature on the heat setting at all times so you don't fall asleep when using it. This comfort heating pad should not be used on the belly, and you should consult your doctor before using it.
What happens if a person sleeps with heating pads on his or her body?
Continuous use of a heating pad on the body is not recommended, particularly if left on while sleeping, since it can cause burns all over the skin and put the heat pad at risk of catching fire.
Some heating pad for neck pain is equipped with features that allow you to use them while sleeping with a complete auto-shutoff option and a gradual reduction in temperature after shutting off, keeping you safe and comfortable.
What is the heating pad's mode of operation?
The heating pad for neck and shoulders are commonly placed directly on the skin to increase sensory receptors and create a delusional response to pain felt in an affected area. This delusional response is triggered by the brain, which then provides some relief after a period of time.
Another consequence of heat is that it increases the elasticity of muscle tissues, resulting in a release of stress and increased blood circulation in the body. The blood flow allows for the distribution of beneficial nutrients to the affected area, allowing for the proper healing of worn-out tissues and the reduction of pain.
How to use heating pad?
Video Transcript:
Hi, I’m dr. Joe with affordable wellness and today we’re going to talk about heating pads I’m going to show you what I think is the best way to use one and then afterward as with most of my videos I’m gonna explain why now the heating pads that I’m gonna demonstrate with is an electric heating pad nothing special about it plugs into the wall has a little switch so you can decide how much heat you want and one feature that most new heating pads have is this a piece of cloth now the cloth itself isn’t important it’s just that you have one so if you have a new heating pad.
It should have this in it somewhere and if you have an older heating pad you can just take a washcloth or something like that and what you want to do plug in your heating pad turn it up so it’s getting nice and hot take the piece of cloth to run it under a faucet get it nice and wet and then wring it out you want to get out just about as much moisture as you can you don’t want this dripping or sopping wet just damp and then what you want to do is put it right inside the cover some covers will have kind of a fold-over kind of thing this one has a snap doesn’t really matter you put it in the cover and with the heating pad turned on the fold the heating pad over that damp cloth.
What that’s gonna do is it’s gonna trap the heat in there and heat up that damp cloth really fast if you just put the damp cloths in there and put it straight on the area that you’re trying to work on it’s going to take five to ten minutes just to get that damp cloth warm by folding it over that’s gonna happen a lot quicker and then when you’re ready to use it it’s already nice and hot now what you want to do let’s say I’m working on my shoulder I’ve got this heated up.
I’m gonna put the damp part directly over my shoulder, okay and I’m gonna keep it there for about twenty to thirty minutes that’s all the time you need to get everything nice and hot get the blood flow going, and all that stuff and then you’re gonna take it off let the area cool down for at least an hour and a half more than that doesn’t really matter but you want to wait at least an hour and a half before you do this again once that hour and a half is over take your heating pad everything’s nice and hot put it back over that spot for another twenty to thirty minutes you can do this as many times as you want throughout the day I suggest trying to get in at least three times that seems to be the magic number to where things really really improve.
And that’s basically it if you have a heating pad you know like a beanbag type or a rice bag that you heat up in the microwave you can use that just make sure that you’re able to get moist heat from it some of those bags will already provide a moist heat some you’ll have to use a damp cloth with it as well the only disadvantage to those is if it’s got a cloth covering and you put dampness on it you run the risk of mold also there they tend not to stay warm long enough to heat up the damp cloth.
And provide you 20 to 30 minutes of heat so that’s why I prefer an electric heating pad so that’s how you do it damp cloth with the heating pad 30 minutes on the hour and a half off do that two or three times a day and that’ll have a huge improvement now on to the why the reason we want to do it this way is that if you just put the heating pad on an area with no moisture the body is going to sense the dryness in the skin and it’s actually gonna send fluids there so you’re going to increase swelling and edema in that area and sometimes it’ll actually aggravate whatever you’re trying to work on a sore muscle or joint.
And you don’t want to do that’s usually what is going on and people say heat makes it worse that’s usually what it is so by adding this damp cloth the body senses that moisture and does not send extra fluid there but because of the heat you will still get an increase of circulation so you have all the benefits of the heat with none of the side effects also the dampness will actually carry the heat deeper into the tissue so you’re getting the heat to penetrate more.
You’re reducing the negative effects of the heat and you for most people it’s actually more comfortable they tend to prefer how that feels so that’s the reason we want to use the moist heat so that’s how you use a heating pad you can use it on joints muscles just about any ache or pain that you have and do that cycle 30 minutes on the hour and a half or more off again as many times as you want throughout the day as long as you’re keeping to those rules if you want to find out any more information feel free to catch any of my other videos at our youtube channel affordable wellness or visit us at the office at 808 worth Street in Mount Airy.
How to Make a Heating Pad with Rice?
Video Transcript:
Hi everyone it’s Kaley welcome back to my channel I’m glad you’re here today I’m going to show you guys a super simple DIY heating pad this project is really easy so it’s a great beginner sewing project and it’s also pretty small so it’s great for any scrap fabric that you have or if you want to recycle fabric like I am then it’s also great no waste DIY I’ll be making my heating pad out of this fabric this is a vintage valance curtain it’s a beautiful fabric that I’ll be recycling the supplies you’ll need for this are your woven fabric of choice something like 100% cotton or wool three to four cups of uncooked rice.
And a few drops of essential oil if you’d like that’s optional to get started press your fabric so that it’s nice and flat before you cut it as I mentioned I am going to be recycling some fabric from a vintage curtain so when I cut this out it’ll be a little different because mine already has a seam on one side and a fold so I will just be sewing up the two other sides but for your purposes cut a 12 and a half by 6-inch rectangle with a fold on the long edge and then that will give you a 1/2 inch seam allowance along the three non folded edges so if yours doesn’t already have a seam you will just sew up one short side one long side opposite of the fold and then on the other short side leave.
A little gap in order to turn it inside out so here I used a dark thread so you could easily see we’ve got our folded edge the short edge that was completely sewn and then the other long edge is sewn up and then our other short edge has a little gap and now you will turn it inside out and then you can use a point turner or a knitting needle or chopstick anything you have to just poke out those corners and make sure that it is a nice sharp rectangle and then press again and really focus on that little opening you want to press it flat so that you have a nice guide for when you’re hand stitching it later and now you can see we have our little opening it’s nicely pressed.
And we can get filling so I used about three and a half cups of uncooked rice for this size but you may need to adjust a bit if you alter the size and then you can use a funnel or just a piece of paper to get filling you can also add some essential oils while you’re filling if you’d like to so I added about four drops of lavender oil to mine you’ll know that it’s full when it’s about a half-inch thick then to close it off just use a slip stitch you just reach from the kind of the underneath of the fabric and pick up just a little bit and go back and forth from side to side so just do this all the way across.
That opening and not it off when you’re done and now your heating pad is done to use this microwave it for 30-second intervals make sure you keep an eye on it this size took about two minutes total to warm up and the heat will last for about an hour so that is how you make yourself a little heating pad like this has definitely come in handy we have that spring weather right now where it’s almost freezing overnight and then it’s pretty sunny and nice during the day.
So having a little heating pad is great because you can just heat it up and then stick it under your blankets near your feet or wherever your cold it’s also really great for any kind of muscle aches or cramps that you get so I hope that you guys enjoyed this tutorial if you did please give it a thumbs up really make a comment to let me know until next time I will see you over on the blog or in my next video bye.
Conclusion:
Heating pads are real relief where you get quick results without much effort. Further, the various features of the heating pad for neck and shoulders were discussed, as well as how they operate and the benefits of using them.
Finally, make sure you pick one of the choices above that is suitable for the type of ailment you are experiencing. After a while, if there is no noticeable change, you can seek medical assistance.