Heating pads – how they come to the rescue when you’re in pain?

You often resort to a hot bath or some form of heat application when there's been an incessantly flustering pain in a certain body part of yours! Why does a heat application or the prompt use of a heating pad occur to us when we are in pain? Here's the science behind heat therapy…

How does heat therapy work?

Heating, in a particular body part dilates the blood vessels which allows a better flow of blood. Before getting into why enhanced blood relieves pain, we need to dig into the cause of the pain or soreness! Muscle pain and soreness emanate from the accumulation of lactic acid in that particular part of the body.

Why did lactic acid build up in that body part? Lactic acid may build up in an area that is receiving the ‘bad blood’. By bad blood, I meant to say an inadequate blood flow that causes the insufficient supply of oxygen to the area. This results in muscle soreness and aches in the concerned region. As the application of heat normalizes the blood flow as well as the supply of oxygen, the lactic acid is eliminated coupled with the pain going down gradually.

Things to remember while using a heating pad

No matter how much pain you are in, you cannot afford to put on a heating pad and doze off. Even lesser amounts of heat have the potential to burn your skin if carelessly left unattended!
It's advisable not to apply the pad directly to your skin. Always do the same over an item of clothing.
Diabetic patients need to consult their healthcare provider before using any heating packs as they are often lesser capable of assessing the heat.
Pregnant women cannot apply a heating pad on or near their abdomen – it may damage the fetus!

Did you know about a ‘moist’ heat therapy?

This logic is rather simple – a moist temperature is better absorbed by the skin pores than a dry one. Also, the former feels more comfortable on the skin as it is lesser prone to irritating the skin and giving it a burning sensation!

There are a lot of other variants of heating pads for you to choose from according to your needs and pocket-size of course!

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