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If You Have Aches And Cramps, You Need One Of These Heating Pads
Using heat is a super affordable and natural treatment for pain. When applied to aching areas (think: tight muscles or menstrual cramps), it increases oxygen flow and relaxes your muscles to aid in a speedy recovery. That's why having the best electric heating pads on hand can make all the difference. But you'll want to make sure you're getting one that suits your needs and budget.
There are two main types of electric heating pads you can use to quickly reduce pain and discomfort: Traditional heating pads and far infrared heating pads. Both of these options are believed to ease muscle stiffness and promote healing.
Traditional electric heating pads are the most common and affordable. They often resemble blankets and have an insulated wire within the fabric casing that generates heat when turned on. You'll want the models that feature both dry and moist heat options for versatility and automatic timed shut-offs for safety. Traditional electric heating pads are a great choice for fast relief of cramps, back, shoulder, and leg pain.
Far infrared heating pads on the other hand, typically work by using infrared waves to warm natural stones like jade to produce heat and negative ions to relax your muscles. They can penetrate an inch or so into the body to provide a deeper warming effect. These are better suited for chronic pain and can cost significantly more than the traditional units.
When it comes to the right relief for your symptoms, your best choice will depend on the kind of pain you're experiencing, whether it is cramps or neck pain. Below, the best electric heating pads on Amazon with the features you need for fast pain relief and the glowing reviews to back it up.
1The Best Overall Electric Heating Pad
The large size, softness, range of settings, and great price make the Pure Enrichment XXL heating pad the best all-around pad option for easing aches and pain. This electric heating pad is 20 inches by 24 inches and perfect for soothing your shoulders, back, legs, arms, and abdomen. Just drape this plush pad on the area in need of relief and choose between six temperature settings, plus the option to switch from dry to moist heat.
The two-hour auto shut-off feature helps keep you safe and save energy. This pad also features a 9 foot power cord, so it'll reach your bed and sofa. When this pad gets dirty, the fabric can be easily removed and machine washed. It also includes a matching storage bag. With more than a thousand five-star reviews on Amazon, it's a fan-favorite.
Promising Review: "This is the most amazing heating pad I have ever owned. It is very soft to the touch and not made out of stiff plastic like cheaper heating pads. It is large and with a long cord. This heating pad gets HOT. I am the type of person that could never have a heating pad get hot enough for me. This one does and I have to keep it around 4. You can start to feel heat in it within a minute. The heat is also uniform so it’s not like 1 hot spot near the plug when you turn it on. I would definitely buy this brand again and recommend. Don’t waste your time and money on other brands. Well worth the investment."
2The Best Heating Pad For Cramps
The Pure Enrichment back and stomach heating pad is perfect for the days during and around periods. This heating pad conveniently wraps around your waist and has two adjustable straps for a secure fit so you can comfortably lay on your side or stomach without it falling off. It features four heat settings, and the fabric is also removable and machine washable for easy cleaning. This heating pad can even relieve cramps and back spasms without restricting your movement with its the built-in gel pack pocket for cold or hot therapy. Just toss the pack in the freezer or the microwave and you'll get relief even while walking around.
Promising Review: "Purchased for my granddaughter who suffers monthly menstrual cramps. This product provides her wonderful relief - and she loves the freedom of walking around that the belt provides with the gel packs. Awesome purchase!"
3The Best Heating Pad For Neck And Shoulders
For those days when you wake up with a stiff neck, the Sunbeam heating pad for neck and shoulders can help. Not only does it offer heat, but also provides a light massage. This soft electric heating pad made of a velvety material wraps around your shoulders and drapes across your back to deliver soothing heat. Built-in magnetic clasps keep the pad securely in place. There are two different heat level settings and four massage options.
This option with a machine-washable cover also includes a sponge for moist heating. The two-hour shut-off timer prevents overheating, and with its 9 foot power cord, you're not confined to your outlet. This heating pad is available in multiple colors ranging from spa green to burgundy.
Promising Review: "My heating pad arrived quickly. I was so glad because my old heating pad had stopped working. I use it everyday including right now as I type this review. Especially love the fact that you can wear it around your neck and shoulder area without worrying about the pad falling off. It is specially designed for that area and stays attached by a magnetic strip in the front. Love it!!!!"
4A Far Infrared Heating Pad For Chronic Pain
For more regular aches, the UTK Far Infrared Natural Jade Heating Pad is a great pick. Far infrared waves provide scientifically proven, deep penetrating abilities, and the 126 natural jade stones found here provide precise heating plus negative ions to aid in relief. You can treat almost any part of the body with this pad by rolling, folding, or laying it flat.
It also features a smart digital controller that allows you to set and customize the temperature of the pad anywhere from 103 to 159 degrees Fahrenheit. A memory function makes finding the right settings to hit that sweet spot of relaxation a breeze. This heating pad also has a 4-hour auto shut-off feature in case you doze off, and 10-feet-long power cord for mobility. Plus, it comes with a handy travel bag for easy storage.
Promising Review: "This product is so much better than a normal heating pad for so so many reasons. The controls allow temperature adjustment and time on/off adjustment - then you can set them in Memory for use later. The size is larger than a heating pad so I get better coverage. I use it every day for one reason or another. I have two of them now (different stones), and have them on my bed, with a light blanket over them to protect the surface and give a buffer between me and the pad. I turn it on before I get into bed, and when I get into bed it is amazing beyond delicious. Winter time will be even better!!! When I am working on a specific area - I put it on top of me too. The products are great and I have already given one as a gift for my sister who has problems and pain in her knees and legs -- she loves it too. She named it Fred and lets nobody borrow it -ever!"
[Editors Note: Like all the heating pads on this list, remember to consult your physician before starting, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. ]
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