Healthy line heat therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free method of helping to manage chronic pain. Heat therapy works by increasing blood flow to the area that’s being heated, causing the body to release chemicals called endorphins which block pain and ease inflammation. There are many benefits of heat therapy as a treatment for back pain.

Heat Therapy for Lower Back Pain The heat from an infrared sauna or heat pad feels good because it helps your body relax and soothe sore muscles and joints. The heat penetrates the skin, increasing blood flow and circulation in that area without damaging your skin or underlying tissue. The warmth also breaks up lactic acid buildup in your muscles after exercise and supports a healthy range of motion thanks to increased lubrication from sweat glands. This guide covers three main benefits of using heat to manage lower back pain naturally.

Relieving the Pain of Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common health problems worldwide, with a large percentage of the adult population experiencing some low back pain at some point during their life. The main cause of this pain is the soft tissue of the back, including muscles and ligaments, becoming inflamed and irritated. Heat therapy is effective because it relaxes tense muscles and increases blood flow to the painful area, which helps reduce inflammation and soothe the pain. Heat therapy is especially effective at treating muscle injuries like strains and sprains. Applying heat before activity, like using a heating pad or an infrared sauna before heavy lifting at work or exercise, can help prevent injury and make you more resilient to fatigue.

Improving Flexibility and Mobility

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes chronic pain in the muscles and joints, making it difficult to move and maintain good posture. The heat from a sauna or infrared therapy pad can help ease pain and reduce muscle stiffness, which can help improve mobility and extend the range of motion. Heat therapy can also help with chronic back pain caused by spinal disc degeneration. When nerve roots get compressed by intervertebral discs that are bulging or herniated, it can cause radiating back pain. A study found that applying moist heat to the lower back reduced the pain in people with chronic disc degeneration. This is likely because the heat helps increase blood flow to the area, which helps bring nutrients and oxygen to the disc to reduce pain.

Helping You Recover from Injury

Heating your muscles before strenuous activity can help prevent injury. But heat therapy is also an effective treatment for many common sports injuries. Sprains and strains are extremely common in athletes, and heat is an effective treatment. Heating your muscles before a workout can help reduce your risk of injury by increasing blood flow to your muscles and helping them relax. This allows you to use proper form and perform at a higher level, which reduces your risk of injury during exercise. Heat is also helpful for treating overuse injuries, like tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome, commonly affecting athletes. It is also an effective treatment for chronic pain caused by arthritis or joint degeneration. It can help ease symptoms by reducing swelling and increasing blood flow to the painful area.

Conclusion

While heat therapy has many benefits, it’s important to note that it is not a substitute for proper treatment and self-care. Rather, a heating pad or an infrared sauna should be part of a full treatment plan involving other pain management methods and injury recovery. If you suffer from chronic pain, it is important to speak with a doctor to better understand what is causing your pain and how you can manage it.