What's wrong with heating pads?

Question

In another question, someone named Becky said that heating pads can injure you? I know you can get burns from using them incorrectly, but other than that, are there any risks?

I cannot get through the pain without using heating pads, esp those thermaheat ones that you stick on your skin under your clothing. So just wondering if there's something I should know.

Answer 1

Not that I know of I have been using them for 18 years

But do not fall asleep with one

one day I was very tired and I fell asleep and even though it was on low I got a second degree burn

So if you are tired and need the heat use a hot water bottle and when you fill it use water out of the tap and not hot enough to burn you if you put your hand in it.


Have you tried ice

I am in cronic sever pain and I find that using ice and heat helps more than just one

I use those reusable gel ice packs They are not as cold as ice and when wraped in a towel they will not hurt the skin

Now they have a wrap they are for backs and they have one for knees and arms they provide surport and they have inserts of gel packs that you can either heat or chill


Another thing for heat that you can make your self if you need a bigger one or one that is a different shape

use a heavy cloth like canvus cut to size and if it is big make chambers so you have many sections and fill it will dried rice or buckwheat or a sm dried bean and when done you can heat it in the mic for a few mins try for three at first they get hot fast

Answer 2

heating pads can sometimes cause burns, usually when people have decreased sensation in the areas where they are putting the heating pad, or when people fall asleep with them on. i have seen some serious burns from heating pads, but healthy awake people have little risk of this- they will feel pain before they get burned
the other thing is that if you use a heating pad ALL the time on sore muscles it can increase blood flow to the area and cause an increase in stiffness. if you are using a heating pad for menstrual cramps, it's usually fine, but if you notice an increase in pain after you take off the pad, try using them for only 10-15 minutes at a time.
the sticky heat packs don't get as hot as "heating pads" so the risks are lower, but some say DO NOT attach to skin only clothes, others are safe to attach to skin. be sure of the directions on whichever brand you chose.

Answer 3

With most heating pads you have to be careful how you apply them. Most aren't meant to be applied directly to the skin, and it's best to have a towel or cloth wrapped around them. Just follow the instructions, though, and you should be fine.

Answer 4

everything could hurt you if you do not follow the instructions.

the hospitals and nursing home will not allow heating pads because they don't want the liability.

there are products you can heat in the microwave and they will work wonderful and not have the problems that you get with an electrical appliance...check with holistic health healers..yellow pages..internet?

Answer 5

What i meant by they can injure you is, if you are using a heating pad while having your period it can cause hemorrhaging. The blood clots and with hemorrhaging it does not clot like it should and it will cause lots of problems. I know it feels good but it can do harm.

Answer 6

Other than burns.. I have no idea of how they could be dangerous, maybe faulty wiring causing a fire.. but thats all i can think of..

weird though..

Answer 7

Really? I love mine, it really helps my back alot and usually takes the pain away. I don't know of any problems with them.

Answer 8

they sometimes increase ur sexx drive ;-)