Best Heating Pad For Neck and Shoulder Pain
Infrared Heating pads can be a great way to reduce pain in the neck and shoulder area. The biggest benefit that heating pads bring is they give you a relief to the area of the body where you’ve applied them. This practice of applying heat to painful areas isn’t a new one. People have been using heated rice or salt for years in order to help deal with muscle strains or pain. Nowadays, the best heating pad for neck and shoulder pain options are modern.
With the introduction of modern heating pads, you’ll get the benefit of extra reliability and comfort, while still feeling a nice soothing effect. In today’s article, we’ll talk about heating pads. We’ll tell you what are the things you should look for and what are the things you should avoid when getting a new heating pad. In addition to that, we’ve provided a list of the best heating pad for neck and shoulder pain, where we’ll mention a couple of products that we recommend. So without further ado, let’s get things started!
What To Look For When looking for the Best Heating Pad For Neck and Shoulder Pain?
If we look at things from a biological point of view, we’ll see that localized heat, has the ability to cause a vibration effect in the molecules. This improves the transport of nutrients and oxygen through the blood system. Which in turn boosts the body’s regeneration levels. This is exactly why you should always look for a heating pad that has deep heating capabilities. This is just one thing to keep an eye for. Another thing you should have in mind is that you should make sure you look for a heating pad with the following capabilities:
Deep heat capabilities
Like we mentioned in the paragraph above, deep heating is one of the main capabilities you should look for in a heating pad. Deep heating stimulates the body’s regeneration ability as well as soothing the damaged area where you apply the pad on. The deeper the penetration is, it has a higher chance to reduce or maybe even get rid of the pain, provided that you use the pad on a regular basis.
Flexible construction
Flexibility is important, you should look for a pad that is as flexible as possible. But it should be sturdy as well. The trick is to find the perfect balance between the two. Most high-end heating pads are made in such a way. However, these products tend to be pricier. If you are on a tight budget, try to focus on a heating pad that is flexible to fit your neck, lower back, and your limbs without being too heavy.
Auto shut-off feature
This is another cool feature to look for in a heating pad. This acts as a safety feature and will be useful if you happen to keep the pad running for an extended period of time. There is a chance that you might fall asleep while the heating pad is running, which can do damage to your skin.
Adjustable heat settings
This is a key feature. You want to be in total control when it comes to the temperature of the heating pad. However, not all heating pads have this feature, but most of the good ones do. This feature is very helpful. It will make it possible for you to select your desired temperature, which will provide you with comfort and at the same time it will ensure that it won’t get overheated if left turned on for a longer time.
Quick heating feature
If the heating pad heats up quickly it usually is an indicator that it is a good product. In general, it shouldn’t take more than a minute for a good pad to heat up. But it’s not all about quickness, make sure that the pad heats up safely as well.
What To Avoid When Searching for the Best Heating Pad For Neck and Shoulder Pain?
We’ve mentioned what are the things you should look for, now let’s see what you should avoid. For example, there are manufacturers that use low-quality materials when building their products in order to lower the price. We aren’t saying that you should go spend a fortune on a heating pad, but the idea is to get the best for your money. So with that being said, let’s have a look at the things you should avoid:
No heat settings
If the heating pad has just one heat level, you are better off without it. The reason behind this is not only that they provide only one level of heat, but they are also prone to overheating as well. In addition to that, heating pads of this quality have a chance of an internal thermostat malfunction which can damage your skin.
EMFs
It has been proven that electromagnetic fields can interfere with lots of body functions in the long term. Make sure you avoid a heating pad that gives out way too many EMFs. Being exposed to EMFs can cause various medical problems as well as weakening your immune system.
Manual shut-off
Like we already mentioned, an auto shut-off feature can act as a protection feature. There have been some cases where heating pads have caused fires when the user fell asleep while the pad was still working. It is because of this that the auto shut-off feature has been introduced. It is a good idea to look for a heating pad with such a feature.
Poor construction quality
This one is quite obvious. However, since poor build quality usually means a lower price, people tend to be drawn to it. Or in some cases, manufacturers add a lot of features and functions, while not giving the same attention to the build quality such as rigid materials, poor stitching, and bulky design. This will greatly affect the longevity of the product.
Our top picks
We’ve learned the benefits of using a heating pad. We also now know what to look for and what to avoid when buying a new heating pad. It is not time to have a closer look at our list of the best heating pad for neck and shoulder pain and here it is:
1. Sunbeam Renue Neck/Shoulder Wrap – The Best Heating Pad For Neck and Shoulder Pain
Probably one of the best if not the best heating pad out there now. This heating pad provides comfort as well as therapeutic properties. It has a terrific design and it will fit your neck and shoulders perfectly. In addition to that, it features magnetic clasps along a heavy edge. This ensures comfort while still having a firm fit. Furthermore, it features an automatic mechanism that provides an undeterred heat treatment of two hours. It includes 4 heating mode settings as well as providing dry and moist heat. This makes it the ideal heating pad to treat muscle and joint pains around the neck and shoulder area.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Incredibly effective
- Relieves pain
- Convenient for extended use
Cons
- Lacks a massage feature
2. Herbal Concepts Comfort Heat Therapy Wrap – Best Heating Pad For Neck and Shoulder Pain Runner Up
This heating pad brings together pressure, heat and herbal essences to provide you with an experience like no other. It was designed and developed by comfort and relaxation experts in order to provoke healing with natural energies. This will help you with any discomfort you might feel. This heating pad is very versatile as it can be used for hot and cold therapy as well.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Effective
- Has herbal essences
- Feels nice to the touch
Cons
- Some found that it delivers too much moist
3. Chattanooga Theratherm Moist Digital Heating Pad
This heating pad is specially designed to provide pleasant and calm therapeutic heat energy. It is great for the neck and shoulder region of the body. The way it works it combines the air around you with moisture which reliefs your skin from pain. It also includes digital control and is capable of heating anywhere from 31-74 degrees.
Pros
- Instantly relieves pain
- Several sizes to choose from
- The flannel covering is handy
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
4. Sunbeam Xl Renue Neck/Shoulder Wrap
This heating pad is going to meet your relaxation needs. It comes with a 9-foot long cable, which provides great mobility. Moreover, it features a 4 setting heat mechanism that lets you choose your desired level, as well as a 2-hour shut-off option. It also features a snap closing system, which makes it adjustable and as far as cleaning goes, it is washable. In addition to that, it comes with a warranty of 2 years.
Pros
- Great warranty
- Highly functional
- Customizable
- The 2-hour shutoff is handy
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly
5. My Heating Pad – Hot/Cold Wrap
This 15x16x1.2 inch heating pad is designed for neck and shoulder use. It will relieve you from sores, muscle discomfort and provide you with a revitalized body feeling that is similar to the one you get when leaving a massage therapist office. It works like a heating pad, but it can also be used for cold therapy as well. Furthermore, this is an eco-friendly product and it is made out of fleece and cotton fabrics.
Pros
- Multi-purpose pad
- Handy for beginners
- Budget-friendly
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- Should be used with care
6. Neck & Shoulder Wrap – Herbal Heating Pad by Nature Creation
Treat yourself to a relaxing and therapeutic experience with this product. This heating pad is suitable for treating sore muscles, arthritis, and other muscle and joint discomforts. It can be applied during both hot and cold seasons. You can do this by simply using either a microwave or a freezer in order to give it a cold or hot function. In addition to that, this pad is both eco and pet-friendly as well as being reusable.
Pros
- Can be used for various conditions
- Easy to use
- Aromatic
- Great for everyday use and pressure relief
Cons
- Requires having a microwave
7. NatraCure Warming Shoulder and Body Wrap
This is a high quality pad right here. It is great for relieving and soothing pain in both shoulder and neck regions. Moreover, it has an ergonomic design that will fit your shoulders perfectly. It can be used even when you walk, but it also feels good when you are relaxed in a fixed position. As far as built goes, this heating pad is made out of polyester materials and has been boosted with rice fillings. This ensure that it last for 30 minutes between reheats.
Pros
- Comes from a reliable brand
- Multi-purpose
- Easy-to-use
- Requires no maintenance
Cons
- Not great for people with small necks
8. My Heating Pad Hot/Cold Wrap
This lightweight heating pad is suitable and designed to be attached firmly on your neck and shoulders area. Depending on what you prefer, it can be used for both heating and cooling. It will aid you with aching joints and muscle discomforts. It features 7 channels that ensure even distribution of heat throughout the region. In addition to that, it is great for stress reduction and release of pressure and tension. The exterior design is composed of cotton and fabric which feels good on the skin.
Pros
- Several options to choose from
- Soft external design
- Lightweight
- Effective
Cons
- Some people found that it is too small
9. Thermotech Automatic Digital Moist Heating Pad
This digital heating pad by Thermotech is best used on the shoulders and neck regions. It is a medically accredited heating pad that utilizes moist air and provides a therapeutic experience. When compared to heating pads that use dry air, this pad is way more efficient because it utilizes its ceramic heating components which in turn result with a maximum heat penetration. This provides the best possible pain relief. When it comes to construction, this pad is made from premium double stitched corduroy, enhanced with a fine flannel cover.
Pros
- Reliable brand
- 4 temperatures
- Easy maintenance
- Durable
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
Conclusion – Which is the Best Heating Pad For Neck and Shoulder Pain?
We’ve reached the end of our Best Heating Pad For Neck and Shoulder Pain article, and let’s have a look at what we’ve discussed. We’ve learned that by using a heating pad you can help yourself relief of neck and shoulder pain. In addition to that, it is a great way to reduce stress and tension. We’ve learned what are the key features you should look for and what are the ones you should avoid when buying a new heating pad. We hope that the products we provided seemed attractive and that some of them fit your criteria. Finally, we hope that you found this article helpful and informative and that you’ll have less shoulder and neck pain.
You may also be interested to take a look at our list of the best back braces for herniated discs.
