Basic Moist Heat Treatment Information for Lower Back Strain

While the overall qualities of warmth and heat have long been associated with comfort and relaxation, heat therapy goes a step further and can provide both pain relief and healing benefits for many types of lower back pain. In addition, heat therapy - in the form of heating pads, heat wraps, hot baths, warm gel packs, etc. - is both inexpensive and easy to do.

This article provides an examination of how heat interacts with the body to alleviate pain as well as options on how to apply heat to help alleviate many types of lower back pain.

How heat therapy works

Many episodes of lower back pain result from strains and over-exertions, creating tension in the muscles and soft tissues around the lower spine. As a result, this restricts proper circulation and sends pain signals to the brain.

Muscle spasm in the lower back can create sensations that may range from mild discomfort to excruciating pain. Heat therapy can help relieve pain from the muscle spasm and related tightness in the lower back.

Heat application can help provide pain relief through several mechanisms:

• Heat dilates the blood vessels of the muscles surrounding the lumbar spine. This process increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, helping to heal the damaged tissue.
  
   
• Heat stimulates the sensory receptors in the skin, which means that applying heat to the lower back will decrease transmissions of pain signals to the brain and partially relieve the discomfort.
  
   
• Heat application facilitates stretching the soft tissues around the spine, including muscles, connective tissue, and adhesions. Consequently, there will be a decrease in stiffness as well as injury, with an increase in flexibility and overall feeling of comfort. Flexibility is very important for a healthy back.

Heat is often more beneficial in muscular pain and may help in muscle relaxation. The contrast between cold and heat therapy is a technique that sometimes gives more relief than either modality used alone.

Moist heat seems to have a better effect than dry heat. Local application of heat is contraindicated in patients with decreased sensation or circulatory impairment. It is also contraindicated over areas of malignancy and not advisable in acute injury. Usual application is about 20 minutes, not more than 30 minutes.  Our Flaxseed Herbal Packs provide the best source of both hot and cold therapy available.  We have many designs, there is one suitable for every application.

There are several other significant benefits of heat therapy that make it so appealing. Compared to most therapies, it is quite inexpensive. It is also easy to do - it can be done at home while relaxing, and portable heat wraps also make it an option while at work or in the car.

For many people, heat therapy works best when combined with other treatment modalities, such as physical therapy and exercise. Relative to most medical treatments available, heat therapy is appealing to many people because it is a non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical form of pain relief.

If you would like to try Moist Heat Therapy at home, Here are some of our most Popular Moist Heat Pads

The Comfort Pac Removable 7"x15"	Herbal Buddy	Herbal Heating Pad Large
Contains the same soothing herbs as the Comfort Pac in a larger size with a removable cover. $17.99	The herbal buddy is the most versatile hot and cold pack available *the pack is 17"x 4 1/2" 27" overall $14.99	Herbal Heating Pad 12"x14" great as a back heating pad in bed. It will stay warm though the night. $24.99
	Fragrance Scented Unscented	Fabrics Solid Color Variety

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