5 Best Heating Pads for Back Pain of 2018 Reviewed

In this article I review 5 best heating pads for back pain.

Please keep in mind that after doing a lot of research regarding heating pads/mats for back pain, I learned that the best mats are so called far infrared ray mats (FIR).

These mats use heat to warm up various semi-precious stones so these stones could start emit deep-penetrating far infrared heat.

This is the best possible type of heat a mat/pad can have, since it penetrates your body up to 5″ deep.

Which is one of the reasons why these mats are so effective in dealing with various pain related issues.

However, the drawback is that such mats are much more expensive than regular heating pads that you can buy in your local Walmart.

Also, during my research I examined many different brands of FIR mats and I was very impressed by US based brand HealthyLine.

They have huge inventory and their prices are at least 50% of what other brands offer.

This is why all top 5 mats in this list are made by HealthyLine.

If you are looking for a cheaper solution, just go to your local Walmart and purchase regular heating pad.

It will be helpful to some degree.

However, once you’ll start feeling that it is not enough for you anymore, you can come back to this article and learn how to take the next step.

Why Heating Pads for Back Pain

Back pain is a common issue that affects many people of all ages.

It can be caused by an accident, injury, or it may be due to a medical condition such as arthritis, ovarian cysts, shingles, sciatica, or a pinched nerve.

While back pain is something that many people live with each day, there are several ways to lessen the pain so that it is not as severe.

You can do stretches or exercise to help strengthen your lower back muscles.

You can also use muscle creams or over-the-counter medication to help alleviate the pain.

Your doctor may prescribe a stronger type of medication for you if the pain is too severe, or they may even suggest spinal surgery if no other option seems to help.

There are many things that will cause you to experience lower back pain.

Some of the most common causes include muscle strain after lifting a heavy object or twisting in a sudden movement.

Doing so can cause your muscles in your lower back or the ligaments to stretch, or develop very small microscopic tears.

The most common symptoms of lower back pain include any combination of the following:

• Difficulty moving that is severe enough to prevent you from walking
• Local soreness upon touching the area
• Muscle spasms that can be severe
• Pain that is dull and aching
• Pain that moves around from the groin, buttocks, or upper thighs

Sciatica is another common problem with back pain that can be lessened with help from heat therapy.

This problem often occurs during pregnancy, but it can happen to anyone, both men, and women.

Sciatica is usually felt on one side of the leg or buttock only.

The pain is typically worse after long periods of standing or sitting.

It can go from a dull ache to a more severe burning sensation.

The pain may be accompanied by weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot.

This type of pain is ongoing as opposed to a typical lower back pain that flares up for a few days before it goes away.

One solution that many people who live with back pain often turn to for immediate relief is to use a heating pad for sore back issues.

If you have chronic back pain and would like to know the benefits of heating pad therapy, read on to learn more about this simple and easy way to suppress your pain.

Top 5 Best Heating Pads

InfraMat Pro TAO-MAT-8040P (PEMF)

The TAO-MAT-8040P (PEMF) InfraMat Pro™ is perhaps the best representative of the Healthyline company. All Healthyline mats undergo a thorough examination prior to becoming commercially available.

This is because the company wants to make sure that their products deliver top-notch results. And this mat has it all.

First, this product is manufactured in the US and is approved by the FDA. It weighs 49 lbs. (23 kgs.) because it contains about 25 lbs. of top-quality amethyst, 3 lbs. of tourmaline ceramic and 3 lbs. of natural obsidian – these are semi-precious gemstones that not only look appealing but they also deliver great healing effects to the body.

Moreover, this mat is made of high-quality, non-toxic material that is divided into 18 layers, all of which have different functions. One of the layers, for example, has the function of blocking EMFs produced by cell phones and other household devices.

With the mat comes an LED display controller used to set the temperature you want, and to set the shutoff timer so you can use it while sleeping.

Even though this is basically a FIR mat, it includes the added PEMF benefits that operate at 7.8 Hz.

This InfraMat product uses a combination of three therapies: FIR, negative ions, and photon therapy.

Far infrared (FIR) therapy is fundamental to this kind of product because it penetrates the body’s tissues, enabling the waves to go deep under the skin and reach every cell in the body. Once the waves reach the circulatory system, the body releases tension, especially in the back area, which is why most people turn to buying these mats as they are non-invasive and provide a holistic approach.

Other benefits include reduced inflammation and stiffness, in addition to decreased stress levels and increased oxygen movement. Due to the soothing and relaxing sensation it delivers, many compare its effects to a sauna.

Negative ion therapy increases the production of collagen, which supports bone and skin health. Thanks to the cell permeability induced by negative ion therapy, the body releases toxic waste and rejuvenates and heals from injury and illness more effectively.

Finally, photon therapy uses light particles to help fix imbalances in the body in order to help with cell breakdown and toxin elimination. Even though photon therapy has been around for centuries, Healthyline is the first company in the healing mat industry to use this therapy as a non-medicine pain reliever.

This product is revolutionary for a few reasons. The first, we already mentioned – photon therapy is rarely if at all used in a FIR mat. It helps in repairing the epidermis and dermis, and in partially repairing the hypodermis.

What’s more, this is one of the few healing mats to include both FIR and PEMF benefits. What this means is that you get two products for the price of one.

Pros

• It fuses the benefits of FIR, PEMF, and the stones (tourmaline, amethyst, and obsidian)
• It is very comfortable due to the amethyst fragmented into small pieces
• It is an ideal size for home use, and while you are on the go
• It comes with a 45-day free trial, 1-year warranty, and a return policy
• Free shipping
• It is relatively cheap

Cons

• It is relatively bulky compared to other Healthyline mats – 49 lbs. (23 kg.)

InfraMat Pro TAO-MAT-7632P (PEMF) 

The TAO-MAT-7632P (PEMF) InfraMat Pro™ is an FIR mat manufactured and designed by Healthyline. This FDA-approved product made in the US is a high-quality item composed of nontoxic materials weighing 37 lbs. (17 kg.).

Its dimensions are 76″ x 32″ x 1.5″ (190 cm x 80 cm x 3 cm), and it comes with a carrying case.

The mat consists of at least 18 layers and each layer has its own function, one of them operating as an EMF-blocker.

With the product comes a controller with the option to set the temperature that you desire, and to set the shutoff timer so you can use the mat while sleeping.

The best thing about this product is that it contains semi-precious gemstones, including top-quality amethyst, tourmaline, and obsidian. What’s more, there is yet another aspect of this model that improves your overall health. It’s PEMF – Pulsed electromagnetic field.

This product is basically a FIR mat. Far infrared rays have been used for centuries for various uses, including for pain and stress relief. Though the concept behind FIR has existed for a thousand years, it was only two decades ago that the scientific community began exploiting the merits of this therapy.

The fundamentals of this product revolve around far infrared rays that penetrate the body’s tissues to stimulate the circulatory system. The effects of FIR therapy are sauna-like for their capacity to relax tension in the body, and reduce stiffness and pain. A great number of people are struggling with one of the most pervasive medical conditions in the modern world – Back pain. FIR therapy is reported to alleviate its symptoms.

Also, negative ions play an important role because they carry an electrical charge. Once this charge reaches a cell, it increases its permeability, thereby improving nutrient absorption in the cell. This results in tissue rejuvenation, and accelerated recovery from injuries and illnesses.

Photon therapy that uses light particles can help fix the biomagnetic imbalance in the body. Not only that – This kind of therapy plays a part in dead cell breakdown, and the elimination of toxic waste.

Healthyline mats are unique, both in terms of their design and in terms of their treatment methods.

Namely, the TAO-MAT-7632P (PEMF) InfraMat Pro™ is not only a FIR mat. With the benefits of FIR come the added PEMF benefits. This means you get two products for the price of one.

This product uses the frequency of 7.8 Hz, which is very close to the Earth’s natural magnetic field, resulting in a healthy and effective treatment that increases energy and focus and reduces fatigue and anxiety. It also plays a protective role against bad EMFs coming from cell phones and other household electrical devices.

Pros

• It combines the benefits of FIR, PEMF, and the stones (tourmaline, amethyst, and obsidian)
• It is very comfortable, due to the amethyst fragmented into small pieces
• It is the cheapest mat with PEMF
• It comes with a 45-day free trial, a 1-year warranty, and a return policy

Cons

• It is smaller in size (76″ x 32″ x 1.5″) compared to the TAO-MAT-8040P (PEMF) InfraMat Pro™ (80″ x 40″ x 1.5″)
• It contains less amethyst (20 lbs.) than the TAO-MAT-8040P (PEMF) InfraMat Pro™ (25 lbs.)
• It cannot be bent into a particular shape because of its limited flexibility

InfraMat Pro LargeMat-012AJT 

The LargeMat-012AJT InfraMat Pro™ is an FDA-registered heating mat that not only delivers the healing benefits of FIR (far infrared rays), but it also comes with a number of useful accessories.

The product is made of high-quality, non-toxic materials, weighs only 25 lbs. (12 kg.), and includes 14 different layers with different functions, one of them being EMF-blocking material built into the mat, and tools such as an LED display controller to set the temperature and shut off the timer.

Even though Healthyline FIR mats are revolutionary in the health industry, the technology behind them has been around for a thousand years or more. The concept of FIR mats uses a combination of ancient techniques and modern medicine.

Just like any other FIR mat, the LargeMat-012AJT InfraMat Pro™ operates by using three synergetic forces to provide optimum healing effects to your body. Thanks to two talented scientists, it was discovered that ion channels within cells can be stimulated to alter the cell membrane so as to improve cell communication. These channels act similarly to pores because, once stimulated, they can be penetrated deeply. This means furthermore that the cell is stimulated to better function.

Since this mat uses the technology of negative ions, and these ions contain an electrical charge,  cells are able to improve their functioning such as in nutrient absorption or in effective toxic elimination.

Finally, this mat uses a combination of three semi-precious gemstones: Amethyst, jade and tourmaline, each of which delivers a wide variety of health benefits.

Many people are experiencing difficulties with back pain, which is their main reason for buying these mats. Well, this is exactly what this mat will help you with, because the amethyst in it helps relieve back pain, as well as joint pain and stiffness. It also relieves stress and body fatigue, and boosts energy.

The Jade improves immune function, helps eliminate toxic waste, relieves pain, and improves cell metabolism.

The Tourmaline reduces feelings of anxiety and depression, relieves acute and chronic illnesses, and improves overall well-being.

Photon Light Therapy is a healing technique only found in Healthyline products. This technology is used to repair the body’s tissue by fully penetrating the epidermis and dermis, and by partially penetrating the hypodermis.

In order for this technique to be successfully employed, the mat has to use the correct wavelength and color of light. Therefore, Photon Light Therapy best works in the range between 633 nm and 830 nm. This product uses 660 nm, thereby delivering optimum results to the body.

Some health benefits include tissue repair and pain reduction, the acceleration of wound healing, skin rejuvenation, improved blood flow, and an immune system boost, as well as a number of other healing methods.

Pros

• It contains three gemstones that deliver stellar results
• The size is ideal for daily use
• It is relatively light
• It is comfortable and easy to use
• Just like any other Healthyline product, it comes with a 45-day free trial

Cons

• Compared to the TAO-MAT-8040P (PEMF) InfraMat Pro™, it does not include the added PEMF benefits
• It does not include obsidian and the benefits that come with it
• It can dehydrate you if you do not set the temperature correctly.

InfraMat Pro Reverse-18JT-SideA 

The Reverse-18JT-SideA InfraMat Pro™ is a healing mat designed by Healthyline™, an FDA-registered company based in the United States.

The mat weighs 32 lbs. (15 kg.) and comes with a carrying case. The full body size is 72″ x 24″ x 1.2″ (180 cm x 60 cm x 3 cm). Thanks to its flexible structure, the mat is very soft, comfortable, and can be easily folded.

The product is made of high-quality, non-toxic material. What’s more, it includes a controller which is used for setting the desired temperature, and for setting the auto shutoff timer.

It is made of at least 16 layers with different functions. There is also an extra layer of EMF-blocking materials built into the mat.

It emits FIR and negative ions, and contains semi-precious gemstones. On one side, the mat contains natural amethyst crystals, and on the other it is covered in natural jade stones and tourmaline ceramic stones. All of these stones deliver health benefits to the body.

This mat is an FIR, or far-infrared ray, mat. FIR therapy is capable of penetrating the body’s tissues to stimulate the circulatory system. Thanks to its soothing and warming effect, many compare this mat to a sauna. Some of the benefits include eased back pain, which is the main reason why customers buy FIR mats. Other benefits are decreased inflammation and stiffness in other parts of the body.

This mat uses a combination of FIR therapy and negative ion therapy. Negative ion therapy promotes cell permeability, which means that far infrared rays can reach deep into tissue and help the body’s cells rejuvenate and heal from injury and illness. In addition, negative ion therapy has been reported to help decrease the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Yet another benefit of this therapy lies in its capacity to counteract the damage from EMF radiation coming from household devices such as cell phones.

Finally, photon therapy has the capacity to fix imbalances in the body, break down dead cells, and release stored up toxins, thereby improving overall health. Even though this therapy has been available for decades, its use as a non-medicine pain reliever has begun only recently.

This product is special for several reasons.

First, like other Healthyline mats, it uses a combination of three technologies – FIR, negative ions, and photon therapy. When combined, these deliver a wide variety of amazing health benefits.

What’s more, not only is this combination rare in this industry, but the technology behind photon light therapy is unique to Healthyline. This technology helps repair the body’s tissue that connects the body’s epidermis, dermis, and partially hypodermis. This means that Healthyline products deliver top-notch effects in their capacity to penetrate into almost any cell.

Pros

• This model is very soft, comfortable, and flexible
• You have the option to either use the amethyst crystals on one side, or the jade and tourmaline crystals on the other side.
• It is relatively light –  32 lbs. (15 kg.)
• The size is ideal for daily use
• Just like any other Healthyline product, it comes with a 45-day free trial

Cons

• Compared to the TAO-MAT-8040P (PEMF) InfraMat Pro™, it does not include the added PEMF benefits
• Compared to the TAO-MAT-8040P (PEMF) InfraMat Pro™, it does not contain obsidian and contains less amethyst (10 lbs., compared to 25 lbs.)
• It can cause dehydration if misused

How does Heat Therapy Work

You may ask yourself ‘Do heating pads work for back pain? ‘

Heating pads have been used for many years to take care of stomach pains or menstrual cramps.

Now experts have discovered that applying heat to a sore area, such as the back, can help to relieve internal pain.

When heat that is more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit is applied directly to the skin, the heat receptors that are located down where the pain is at are activated.

They work to block the chemicals that cause pain to be detected by the brain.

Even though heat can only provide you with temporary relief, it can also provide comfort to the body as well, which can sometimes help to take your mind off the pain and allow you to rest comfortably.

Heating pads work by directing heat to where you feel pain.

The heat helps to heal your body by increasing the blood flow to the injured area.

By increasing the blood flow, the heat also brings additional oxygen and valuable nutrients to your back pain.

And that can also help to remove harmful toxins that may be produced by injured muscles.

It has been found that the most effective heat therapy products are those that can maintain their heat at the right temperature for the longest tie.

It is best to keep the heat at a “warm” temperature.

You shouldn’t have the heating pad at a high level for a prolonged period as this could cause burning of the skin to occur.

Heating pads work best for chronic pain issues.

If you are dealing with an acute injury, you should treat the area with a cold pack or ice for at least 24 hours before you decide to apply heat.

Heating pads are available in many different sizes and price ranges and there are various options available for you to choose from.

Types of Heat Therapy

You may wonder how does a heating pad help back pain.

There are two different types of heat therapy out there for you to choose from.

If one solution doesn’t seem to work well for you, you can try another until you find the perfect solution for your back pain with these heating pad benefits.

Remember that a certain type of heat therapy may work better for one individual than for another.

Therefore, something that works for your friend or family member may not work best for you.

There are many different options available for you to choose from that are easy, affordable and effective.

Dry Heat therapy such as using electric heating pads or visiting a sauna work to draw out the moisture that is in your body and can leave your skin feeling dry or dehydrated.

However, there are many people that feel that dry heat is the best solution for their back pain and it is the easiest to apply.

Moist Heat therapy such as a hot bath, steamed towels or using moist heating packs help by allowing heat to penetrate deep into the muscle tissue.

There are some who feel that this is the most powerful form heat pain relief.

Here are some other options for heat therapy that you may want to try:

• Hot water bottle: usually stays at the right temperature for at least 30 minutes.
• Electric heating pad: allows you to adjust the temperature from hot to warm and lets you enjoy the continuous heat. You could also use a folded up electric blanket if you have one handy.
• Heated gel packs: These packs can be microwaved and reused and stay warm for around 30 minutes. There are some gel packs available that provide you with moist heat which is something that you may prefer.
• Heat wraps: these products wrap around the lower back and waist. They can be worn against the skin underneath your clothing and provide you with consistent heat all throughout the day, even when you are away from home.
• A hot bath: sitting in the bathtub, a hot tub, sauna or steam bath can stimulate the overall feeling of comfort and allow you to relax. This can be helpful if you are experiencing muscle spasms and pain. Using a whirlpool jet that is directed at your lower back can also provide you with the additional benefit of massage therapy.
• You can also use heating patches for your back pain that can be purchased at most pharmacies and retail stores. These patches provide temporary relief and can be applied anywhere for back pain relief away from home.

There are many benefits to heat therapy that help make it very appealing to the millions of people who suffer from back pain every day.

Compared to other forms of therapy such as physical therapy sessions or back surgery, it is very inexpensive.

Heat therapy is also easy to take part in.

It can be done at home by taking a warm bath or lying on a heating pad.

Or you can use heat wraps and patches for on-the-go pain relief.

You should look for a heating pad that has multiple controls available so that it may be turned on and off as needed.

Heating pads that offer multiple levels of heat, an automatic on and off switch are also a great, safe option for back pain.

This allows you to set the product and forget about it.

You can also find the save options available with electric blankets that can offer the same advantages as heating pad benefits.

For many individuals, heat therapy works best when it’s combined with other forms of treatment such as exercise.

Heat therapy is a preferred choice for many individuals because it offers patients a non-invasive and non-medical form of back pain relief that they can benefit from at any time.

There are also heating patches for back pain that can be useful.

When Heat Therapy is Not an Option

While heat therapy is a great way to alleviate pain without the use of medication, it is not for everyone.

There are some individuals who should not use heat therapy, such as those who have a swollen or bruised lower back, those who have heart disease or hypertension.

Using heat for back pain should not be used if you have any of the following conditions unless supervised by a doctor.

• Dermatitis
• Severe cognitive impairment
• Diabetes
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Open wound
• Deep vein thrombosis

Also, keep in mind that if the injured area is swollen or bruised, it would be best to apply ice or a cold pack to help reduce the swelling.

What to Look for in Heating Pads

Heating pads can be purchased at various locations such as drugstores, medical supply stores, retail stores, dollar stores or online.

It is a good idea to find a heating pad that has variable settings so that you can adjust it from warm to hot as needed.

It may be a good idea to find one that has an automatic shut-off feature so that the pad will not stay on if you happen to fall asleep or forget to turn it off when you leave the house.

You may want to read up on some reviews online to find the ideal heating pad for you.

You may find that some heating pads do not last as long as others, so it is a good idea to choose one that is long-lasting, durable and reliable with plenty of features.

What to Avoid in Heating Pads

When buying a heating pad, you want to purchase a product that is designed to last and provide you with the optimal amount of comfort.

The price of the product should not be your only deciding factor when you are comparing heating pads.

And you need to consider whether you want to buy a product that will provide moist or dry heat.

While there are heating pads that are available online from auction sites such as eBay, it is best to not purchase a used heating pad because you don’t know how long the product has been used or if there are any issues with the electric wiring.

Always purchase any type of heating product that you will apply to your skin brand-new and sealed in the box.

A heating pad can last for many years if it is taken care of properly.

Try not to use it for prolonged periods of time or overnight if possible so that you can prolong the life of the pad.

Some heating pads have a removable cover that can be taken off and cleaned as needed, while others require you to wash them by hand.

Be sure to refer to the owner’s manual when it comes to cleaning instructions.

Keep in mind that there are some heating pads that are not meant to be folded or bent.

This is something to consider if you are planning to use the pad in this fashion.

Doing so could cause damage to the pad itself or cause harm to your skin as well.

To use many of the heating pads properly that are currently available, you will need to lie on your side or your stomach for optimal results.

Conclusion

When you purchase a heating pad that is meant to be used for back pain, you should consider how much pain relief you wish to receive, how often you will be using the heating pad, and what position you will be in when you use it.

If you are unsure about what type of heat pain relief is best for you, you should consult with your doctor for more information on the benefits of heating pad therapy and which type would provide you with the best relief for your back pain and enjoy the benefits of heating pad therapy.