Many consider moist heating pads to be the best for comfort and relaxation. In addition moist heat therapy is also useful for alleviating chronic back pain.
Back pain is frequently caused by overuse, injury or strain, that causes stress in the muscles of the spine. The tightness results in a decrease in blood circulation which sends pain signals to the brain. The brain considers this to be an injury and tightens the muscle in an effort to control or heal it. The tensed up muscle in turn causes a decrease in blood circulation and thus begins the pain cycle. This type of chronic pain last on for years, and range from mild to debilitating. You must break the cycle for the pain to stop.
Heat therapy can help break the pain cycle that causes back pain by dilating the blood vessels in the injured area, allowing a greater flow of blood with oxygen and nutrients to the injured area, allowing it to heal. Warming the area also permits the muscle fibers to relax and stretch, lowering stiffness and contributing to flexibility. Heat therapy also stimulates the nerves in the skin which causes a reduction of the pain signals to the brain. Heat therapy when used regularly can help to eliminate the pain..
Moist heat is usually thought to be superior to dry, but in actuality the healing benefits are the same. However, water does transfer heat faster then air and so moist heat will be transferred to the injured area faster and can have a more comforting feeling then the slow application of dry heat. And when you’re in pain, faster is better!
Heat therapy is an inexpensive and simple technique that is frequently overlooked when looking for pain relief. Heat therapy can be applied in a number of ways. The most common methods are hot water baths, microwave moist heating pads, electric heating pads, or hydrocollator heat pads. They are all effective in eliminating chronic pain.
