Using a heating pad for pain while on Apixaban.

[Eddie49]

I have had two spinal operations, lumbar and cervical. I have been told by the physio that my thoracic spine is very immobile so do exercises to try to help this. When really painful (like now, after foolishly lifting and twisting) I use an infra-red heating pad which can be really soothing and helpful. However, I have just read that anyone on an anti-coagulant (I am on Apixaban) should definitely not use heat but only ice as heat can cause a possible small bleed to become dangerous. I hope not, but do I need to dump the heating pad?

[rosyG]

Not medically trained but think the heat pad will only relax blood vessels superficially and you wouldn’t bleed unless there was some damage to vessel already. Best to ask your doctor.

[Eddie49 in reply to rosyG]

Thanks.

[Finvola]

I agree with rosyG that this is something for your doc to advise you on as you have had surgery in the area you are heating.

Hopefully, mild heat will be OK for you - I use a heated cushion for back pain and I would hate to be without it. I take Apixaban also.

[Eddie49 in reply to Finvola]

Thanks.

[Maggimunro]

Hi Eddie

I use a heat pad very frequently for low back pain. I find it so effective for pain relief. I can’t see that putting ice on your spine will do anything other than send your muscles into spasm and make things worse. Ice is fine for a sprained ankle, but a painful back?

I agree with RosyG that unless you have a wound, cut or abrasion, there is minimal chance of a bleed with gentle heat.

[Eddie49 in reply to Maggimunro]

I agree about the ice, it's horrible. I was seeing a chiropractor for a while a couple of years who didn't do much apart from tell me that 'icing your back and shoulder several times a day is now your life'. Couldn't stand it.

[Tapanac]

I too am on apixaban and I use a heat pad every night to help me sleep as it rests my back. Touch wood in all the years it hasn’t done any harm.

[Eddie49 in reply to Tapanac]

That's great, thanks.

[Jajarunner]

Check with your doctor, but as long as it is not too hot and you do not have impaired circulation I would have thought it is okay. Ice will also reduce swelling and de rease pain, but is a bit unpleasant! Gentle massage is good too ( I would say that, I'm a sports massage therapist) and it's not one of our contraindications for a massage.

[Eddie49 in reply to Jajarunner]

I would love to go to a massage therapist but can't seem to find one with two-metre arms. Ha Ha. Thanks.

[Jajarunner in reply to Eddie49]

I'm desperately stretching my arms ready to reopen. As if!!!

[foxglove1]

I have bad circulation and use an electric blanket. I’m on Apixoban.

[Eddie49 in reply to foxglove1]

Thanks.

[foxglove1 in reply to foxglove1]

Sorry meant as a question. 😂Presumably an electric blanket ok? With Apixoban ?

[Denise-]

I use heat pads for pain relief, my GP said it's fine but not to use my tens machine on the top half of body as it may trigger my AF. I'm on Apaxiban and several other pills so always check with my doctor first

[Eddie49 in reply to Denise-]

Interesting. Never considered that.

[Stobban]

I wouldn't think a heating pad would do much harm, but have a look at the side effects if any. I suffer spinal pain very bad and over the years have used many remedies for the severe pain. But eventually had to give in to opioids which did the job other remedies could not. There is a host of analgesics out there and no matter the side effects, its worth trying, only to feel human again, and free of pain.

[Eddie49 in reply to Stobban]

Thanks Stobban. Sorry about your pain, hope you are ok.

[CDreamer in reply to Eddie49]

Just be aware and avoid NSAIDS (Ibuprofens etc) as they do interact with anticoagulants and also trigger AF.

[CDreamer]

Never heard of that one before, I would be interested in the source of the information?

I use infra red heat on my back every morning, been doing it for 15 years and been on Apixaban for about 4 years and never had a problem. I’ve also been to physio where a full medical history was taken and received infra red heat from them. Physio’s are usually very alert to this type of conflict, if they have taken a full medical history.

[Eddie49 in reply to CDreamer]

Hiya. I have an infra-red heating bad which I have been using for the past 3-4 years. It's great for my spinal issues when they flare up. I have only been on Apixaban since last October. Before this I had many interventions form chiropracters, osteopaths, physios, many having different opinions whether ice or heat is better to alleviate pain. I prefer heat obviously because it is comfy and soothing and ice is 'orrible. Since being on Apixaban I have not had to use my heat pad until now, for thoracic spine pain. I suppose I made a mistake and Googled for exercises etc. which I tend to do when panicking. I came across a couple of sports rehab type sites which said about not using heat if on 'blood thinners', so thought I would check what others think. Having had some good advice from this site I will carry on with my heat pad and, thankfully, try to avoid the ice. Thanks.

[CDreamer in reply to Eddie49]

I was told Ice for acute and new injury to lessen swelling and inflammation and Heat to soothe chronic pain. Eg:- Ice for a newly sprained ankle certainly. I have a lot of fascia pain caused by inflammation in my muscles and find ice works best for relief of fascia pain and I don’t mind ice at all. I find that Heat works best for straightforward muscle pain relief when I get muscle spasms, which is most nights when I rest after being on my feet.