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Neck and shoulder heating pads may help to loosen stiff joints and ease muscle aches and pains. Most of these devices warm up quickly, helping to alleviate soreness within minutes. This article outlines seven of the best heating pads for the neck and shoulders. We also provide tips on how to choose a heating pad and suggest alternative methods for helping to alleviate neck and shoulder pain.
Neck and shoulder heating pads are heated devices that a person can place against the neck or shoulders to help alleviate pain and discomfort in the joints and muscles. They can also help to ease muscle tension in these areas. Some heating pads are microwaveable, while others require a person to plug them into an electrical outlet. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. For neck, back, and shoulder cover: Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad
This large electronic heating pad covers the neck, shoulders, and the full length of the back. It is fully adjustable, catering to most body shapes and sizes. Other features include:
For a weighted heating pad: Huggaroo Microwave Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders
This weighted heating pad contains clay beads. A person can heat the product by placing it in the microwave for around 90 seconds. For additional heat, a person can increase the heating time in increments of 30 seconds up to 4 minutes. The company claims that the product provides 10–15 minutes of deep heat and remains warm for an additional 10–15 minutes. People can also chill the pad in the freezer and use it as a cold pack. For moist or dry heat: Sunbeam Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief
This electric heating pad comes with a sponge that a person can moisten for moist heat therapy. Other product features include:
For a weighted edge: ZXU Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulder
This adjustable electric heating pad weighs 1.9 lbs, and the company describes it as extra large. The pad has the following features:
The product is also reportedly suitable for moist or dry heat. For a micro-glass bead filling: Comfytemp Weighted Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders
This electric heating pad features a micro-glass bead filling for a weighted feel. The product weighs 2.2 pounds. Other product features include:
For a long power cord: hellomoto Electric Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders
This electric heating pad features an 11-foot power cord and three heat settings. Other product features include:
For natural pain relief: REVIX Heated Neck Wrap
This microwaveable heat wrap contains a filling composed of organic flaxseed, organic millet, and clay beads. The product can deliver both heat and cold therapy. The table below provides a snapshot of how the best neck and shoulder heating pads compare to each other: In addition to safety features, a person may wish to consider the following before purchasing a heating pad:
Neck and shoulder heating pads are relatively safe products. However, they do pose some risks and require users to take precautions. People should consider a product’s safety features, including:
Anyone experiencing chronic neck and shoulder pain should consider seeing a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. People may consider other products for relieving neck and shoulder pain, including:
A person may also wish to try a massage with a professional massage therapist. Learn more about neck and shoulder massagers. Heat therapy helps to boost circulation, which increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues. According to the Arthritis Foundation, this can help to loosen stiff joints and alleviate sore muscles. A 2021 meta-analysis into heat and cold therapy for delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) found that applying heat therapy within 1 hour of exercise could promote recovery. Both heat and cold therapy were effective in reducing DOMS pain. The researchers concluded that higher-quality research is necessary to determine whether heat or cold therapy is more effective. An older 2010 study found that using heat or cold pads alongside ibuprofen was mildly effective in reducing neck and back pain. However, the researchers noted the possibility that the pain relief was largely attributable to the ibuprofen. Importantly, people should not use heat therapy to replace more conventional forms of treatment. A person should talk with their doctor about any long-term aches or pains and whether heat or cold therapy will be more suitable. Learn more about heat and cold therapy. Below are some frequently asked questions about neck and shoulder heating pads. Is a heating pad good for neck and shoulder pain?Heating pads boost circulation. This, in turn, increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the joints and muscles, easing pain and discomfort. Most neck and shoulder heating pads warm up quickly and may help alleviate soreness within minutes. Which is better for neck pain, heat or ice?Both heat and ice can help to alleviate neck pain. Applying heat boosts circulation, helping to alleviate stiffness and soothe aching muscles. In contrast, applying cold reduces blood flow, helping to reduce swelling and associated pain following an injury. A person can ask their doctor or pharmacist for further advice on which type of treatment is right for them. Can I use a heating pad on my shoulder?The products listed in this article are specially designed to provide heat to the shoulder area. Heat therapy can ease joint and muscle aches by improving circulation. Will a heating pad help my neck?A heating pad that heats the neck will boost circulation in this area, helping to alleviate neck pain or discomfort. Neck and shoulder heating pads can help to loosen stiff joints in the upper body, and alleviate sore muscles. People can choose between microwaveable heating pads offering moist heat, or electric heating pads offering dry heat. When choosing a heating pad, people may wish to consider various factors, including product size and adjustability, temperature control, and product cost. A person should speak with their doctor if they are experiencing ongoing pain in their neck or shoulders. They may also wish to ask them if heat therapy or cold therapy would be more suitable as a treatment. Is a heating pad good for neck and shoulder pain?Heating pads are great for muscle soreness from exercising, back pain, neck pain, and menstrual cramps. You can drape a heating pad over your sore area, or rest with it behind your back or neck. Be careful not to burn your skin.
Do heated neck wraps work?Heated neck wraps work by increasing circulation, which allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the affected area, helping it to heal faster. When heat is applied to areas of chronic pain it loosens muscles and provides an analgesic effect, which makes your brain perceive that your pain has decreased.
What is the best heat pad for neck?8 best neck heating pads. Pure Enrichment PureRelief Neck And Shoulder Heating Pad.. Huggaroo Original Unscented — Microwave Heating Pad.. Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad For Back And Neck.. Heating Pad For Neck And Shoulder.. Comfytemp Weighted Heating Pad For Neck And Shoulders.. Clik Clak Hot And Cold Gel Pack Set.. Can you put a heating pad around your neck?To relieve pain, use heat or ice (whichever feels better) on the affected area. Put a warm water bottle, a heating pad set on low, or a warm cloth on your neck. Put a thin cloth between the heating pad and your skin. Do not go to sleep with a heating pad on your skin.
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