Muscle spasms, joint pain, and back stiffness all restrict movement and interfere with physical activities. While medication can be useful in reducing inflammation, heat therapy can also help with back pain.

This form of therapy is not novel. In reality, the ancient Greeks and Egyptians used the sun's rays as therapy. Hot springs were even used as pain relief by the Chinese and Japanese.

Heating pads have made heat therapy more accessible and convenient. Here are some of the advantages of heat therapy for back pain.

Benefits of heat therapy for back pain
Heat therapy is an excellent back pain treatment because it increases circulation, which allows nutrients and oxygen to reach joints and muscles. This helps in damaged muscle regeneration, inflammation relief, and back stiffness reduction.

Heat therapy of any kind can help relieve back discomfort. Heating pads, on the other hand, are perfect because they are portable and convenient. They're also electric, so you may use them wherever you choose in your house, such as reclining in bed or sitting on the couch.

Hot or warm baths produce moist heat, which promotes circulation and reduces muscle pain and stiffness. If you feel pain or stiffness in other places of your body, a bath may help.

The issue with bathtubs is that keeping the water temperature stable is difficult. The water will gradually cool.

On the other hand, heating pads have adjustable levels and give a constant flow of heat – for as long as the pad is turned on.

If you don't have a heating pad, a warm shower or a soak in a hot tub will help ease back pain and stiffness. One advantage of a hot tub and shower over a bath is that it provides continuous heat, akin to a heating pad.

How to use an electric heating pad
Electric heating pads can become extremely hot and cause skin damage if not used properly.

Always start on the lowest setting
To begin, turn the heating pad to the lowest level. For minor aches and pains, a low setting may be sufficient to alleviate discomfort and stiffness. If necessary, progressively raise the heat intensity.

There are no hard and fast rules on how long you should use a heating pad on your back. It all relies on your pain threshold and heat tolerance. However, if you use a heating pad on high, remove it after 15 to 30 minutes to avoid burns.

On a low setting, the heating pad can be used for a longer amount of time, possibly up to an hour.

Use cautiously  if you’re pregnant
It is safe to use a heating pad to reduce back pain while pregnant. Prolonged exposure should be avoided since overheating can be harmful to a fetus. It has the potential to cause neural tube abnormalities or other issues.

This is more likely in a hot tub or sauna but proceed with caution. While pregnant, use a heating pad on the lowest setting for no more than 10 to 15 minutes.

Because heating pads reduce pain signals and enhance circulation, use them as soon as you notice painful flares or stiffness to expedite the healing process.

Gel packs
A heat wrap or hot gel pack can be used underneath your clothes if you have no heating pad.

Place a gel pack in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes (see package instructions) before applying it to a hurting back. Certain gel packs can also be used for cold therapy.

Precautions and safety tips
Heating pads are useful for pain relief, but they can be harmful if used incorrectly. Here are a few safety measures to keep you safe:
- Place a heating pad or hot gel pack away from your skin. To avoid burns, wrap it in a towel before putting it on the skin.
- Don't sleep with a heating pad.
- When using a heating pad, begin with the lowest setting and gradually raise the heat intensity.
- Use a heating pad with a cracked or damaged electrical cord at your own risk.
- Do not use a heating pad on injured skin.