What Are The Best Heating Pads for Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief?

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Neck pain and shoulder pain is quite literally debilitating and can really ruin your day. It’s even worse when the pain doesn’t subside and goes on for days, weeks or even months.

Heat is a very effective method to alleviate discomfort, soreness and tension and there are lots of different neck and shoulder heating pads available on the market, designed to give genuine relief.

Heating pads are a very popular way to self-treat neck pain, shoulder pain and other pain and this type of heat relief has been used for centuries. Not only does heat give that longed-for relief, it also goes a long way to speeding up the recovery process.

That’s because heat travels deep beneath the skin, into the muscles and joints, penetrating the area of concern. The heat stimulates sensory receptors to stop the brain receiving pain signals.

Even those who suffer with intense pain will feel the benefit of neck and shoulder heating pads.

So what do neck and shoulders heat pads do?

The heat they radiate helps to increase tissue elasticity
The heat they transmit relaxes tight knots in the muscles
The heat sedates the pain
The heat increases blood circulation to the area of concern, bringing nutrients to the area to aid healing
Heat also stimulates natural metabolic rate so speeds up recovery

The 5 Best Neck and Shoulder Heating Pads

PureRelief Neck & Shoulder Heating Pad

Our first heat pad is made by Pure Enrichment. This neck and shoulder heating pad set is coloured in grey and retails at approximately $35, depending on the retailer you buy it from.

It comes with a special heat technology that really speeds up the heating so there’s almost no waiting time. With a secure magnetic closure to keep it locked into position and a handy storage bag to use when not in use, it’s a handy pack you can take to the office or pack away when travelling.

The PureRelief is gently contoured to fit your neck and shoulders so you don’t notice you’re wearing it. It encourages blood circulation and reduces muscular tension and pain and, despite its size, it isn’t cumbersome to wear.

It’s also made out of special micromink fibres which are extremely soft and silky.

The fast heat-up means it’s ready in seconds so you can be well on your way to pain relief quickly. It also has two options, moist heat therapy or dry heat therapy along with four different heat settings, from warm to high and with a five year manufacturer’s warranty, you have peace of mind that you are buying something long-lasting.

The auto-shut off after two hours prevents any surface burns and the 9 foot long cord means you can easily plug in from a distance. Finally, these heat pads are machine washable.

Sunbeam Renue Heat Therapy Neck and Shoulder Wrap Heating Pad

This heating pad retails at approximately $35 (depending on where you purchase it from) and comes in a soothing spa green colour. It also offers two different therapies, dry heat or a more intense moist heat option. Fully washable, it’s made out of a soft micro-plush velveteen fabric and it’s lightweight so it doesn’t feel too heavy when on.

The magnetic clasp keeps it securely fixed during treatment and it has little, weighted edges that keep the pads in the right position. With a digital LED control panel, the Sunbeam has four different heat settings and a two hour auto-shut off feature, so there’s no chance of overheating.

The 9 foot power cord gives you the flexibility to use this product anywhere round the home without having to stay very close-by!

Comfortable and soothing , it’s good for neck, shoulders, back and spine, increasing blood flow, relaxing spasms and calming muscular pain. Finally, the two year limited warranty gives you extra peace of mind.

My Heating Pad- Neck & Shoulder Wrap

A little cheaper is the My Heating Pad which is designed by a chiropractor and retails at just $23.99 (depending on retailer). It has seven different settings so gives you plenty of flexibility to find the right option for you. The heat is evenly distributed for a soothing, comforting experience and it’s so lightweight (just 3 lb).

Use this one for gentle pressure on joints, tendons, muscles and arthritis. It’s also excellent for alleviating stress. Made out of environmentally friendly soft fleece with cotton, it’s a tension reliever and good for releasing pain in a matter of minutes.

It’s even useful to use after being out in the cold weather, just pop it in the microwave and you’re ready to warm up a chill.

Dr. Bob’s – Neck Wrap Heating Pad

Designed by a doctor, this therapeutic heat pad is ideal for all types of neck and shoulder pain, including arthritic pain, headaches, upper back pain and muscular tension. Retailing at approximately $40, it is slightly more expensive than the heating pads reviewed above but it is a top of the range product, offering a wealth of exciting features.

The heating pads have been created to fit the contours of your body comfortably and every component has been rigorously tested to reach the standards required by the US and Canadian governments. The highest heat setting is 170 Deg F and with four different heat settings, you choose the right one for your pain.

This product can also apply dry heat or for a more penetrating type of relief, moist heat, just add a thin layer of water before use. There’s also a useful 9 foot cord, for good flexibility and an auto-shut off of 2 hours, so there’s no chance of the product overheating.

Made out of plush, soft fabric, the cover is completely machine washable and the velcro straps on the chest help to keep it snugly in place.

Sunny Bay Extra Long Neck Heating Wrap

This microwavable heating wrap by Sunny Bay retails at just $21 (depending on where you purchase it from) so is the least expensive on this list. Simply pop it in the microwave, set the timer and press the start button and it’s ready to use. It offers hot and cold therapy ideal for neck, shoulder and upper back pain.

For the cold option, place in the freezer for an hour. Small enough and lightweight enough to take with you when going to work or in the car, it’s easy to use too. Once the product is heated up, it retains the warmth for up to half an hour. Ergonomic, soft and made out of soft fleece with micro beans inside, it’s a product ideal for soreness, pain and tension.

That completes the list of the best neck and shoulders heating pads, whichever you choose, you’ll be sure to get the benefits of heat therapy.

When You Should Not Use Heat Pads

Do bear in mind that while heat is usually the right form of treatment for neck and shoulder pain you should never apply heat pads to new injuries. That’s because heat could increase swelling and even worsen your pain.

You shouldn’t apply heat to an open wound either, or to irritated skin. Only use heat for up to 20 minutes at a time and pad out your skin so you don’t burn it especially if you use a high-temperature setting.

Here’s our guide to the five best heat pads available to buy today for neck and shoulder pain relief.

Carmen

Carmen is an entrepreneur and content marketer. In a former life, as a corporate business executive, she relied on yoga, reflexology and other alternative practices to fight stress, anxiety and find balance. She’s on a mission to build healthy habits for a balanced, healthy life, connecting body, mind and spirit.