Heat pads/patches

[gussmithy]

Hello

I have RA as well as a spine that's shot to pieces.

Does anyone have a recommendation for self-heating pads or patches to relieve back pain? They'd need to be OK with a Pacemaker.

Thank you, Gus.

[Amnesiac3637]

Yep, the Heat Company back wraps or the Thermacare back wraps - either from Amazon. I have a Heat Company wrap on as we speak as my spine is also a bit of a mess. Have spent a lot of money on these over the years but they are absolutely fabulous for a continuous 8 hour warmth on your lower back/hips. Very comfortable to wear (though I prefer the Heat Company belt as the material is softer) and the warmth really does last all day if you wear the belt at the beginning of it.

They relax the muscles in your back, there’s no plugging-in, no smell, no ointment and I’ve found them really beneficial. Not cheap - £11 for three wraps but worth every penny. They do do stick-on patches but I haven’t found them as good and sometimes the stick-on doesn’t. Hope that helps!

[gussmithy in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Thank you, Amnesiac. Sounds good but from what you say it would cost about £1300 to wear very day for a tear. I can't afford that.

[Amnesiac3637 in reply to gussmithy]

I know, they’re really expensive and why they should be I’ve no idea! You’d think they’d want turnover on these things and more people buying them. I can only afford the odd batch at a time! Hope your back pain eases without too much more intervention.

[Fruitandnutcase]

My back is a bit of a mess too but mostly ok if I keep moving - says she who has just finished a course of physio to deal with the nerve pain I’ve had recently.

I usually have a few Deep Heat type patches around. I get them from Boots or Tesco - I often use one if the weather is cold even if I don’t need to - a bit like central heating. I’ve used Deep Heat type gels in the past too - they just heat the skin but that works for me too.

I’ve got a plug in heated cape thing that is really good if you are sitting down. Great but you’ve got to watch that you don’t get up and walk off while you’re plugged in and I sometimes use a microwaveable heat bag but again only when I’m staying in one place.

[CallMeSunny]

I can’t recommend anything but I see Amazon have “portable USB heated lumbar wraps”. I will definitely spend some time today searching through available models to find one for myself ……anything to help keep those supporting muscles warm!

[vonniesims]

Have a look at National Axial Spondyloarthitis Society. You might find it helpful. Good luck

[gussmithy in reply to vonniesims]

Thank you, Vonniesims. I did look at the NASS website but could find nothing - "shop" link didn't seem to do anything.

[vonniesims in reply to gussmithy]

They are very active on Facebook

[Runrig01]

I have an electric heat pad, but also have one called the warm charm, which takes less than 5 mins to charge and keeps its heat for hours. I have a small one I use more for migraines, but they do several size’s including a wrap around one.

thewarmcharm.co.uk

[gussmithy in reply to Runrig01]

Thank you, Runrig01, I'll look at those.

[Viv54]

I know how you feel i have very similar problems . i use an electric blanket. I turn it up to high then turn it down gradually as the evening goes on. I go to bed in the afternoon when the pain is very bad it helps me so much.

[gussmithy in reply to Viv54]

Thanks, Viv54. I'm after something self-heating that I can wera when Im out & about. Preferably not something that you stick to your clothes.

[Viv54 in reply to gussmithy]

So in that case you can get some herbal ones from you know who on the internet.They smell awful when you put them on ,they heat up really quickly and helped me in my early stages of hip problems. Plus they are quite large .Good luck 🌹

[CallMeSunny]

I’ve ordered “Hilph”, a washable usb charged wrap from Amazon; it’s inexpensive at £15.90, soft and fits neatly to the body so neat under your clothes. If you’re going out wearing it, you will need a USB Portable Power Charger Belt… under £20…pop that in your pocket or Velcro around your belt.

[gussmithy in reply to CallMeSunny]

Thanks, Sunny. The only Hilph wraps that I can find, weem to be ice packs.

[CallMeSunny in reply to gussmithy]

It arrived today ….excellent. I can walk around with it, can also be used it in the car (USB port).

Hilph Heating Pad for Back Pain Relief, USB Portable Heated Back Warmer Belt Wrap Hands Free Headting Pad for Cramps, Waist, Lumbar Sciatica, Lower

[gussmithy in reply to CallMeSunny]

Thank you, Sunny. Yes, I might well give that a go. Any recommendations on where to get power pack?

[CallMeSunny in reply to gussmithy]

(Unfortunately!!) easily found on Amazon. I used my wrap first thing this morning…seems to relax my muscles which I appreciate as they are mostly in spasm these days!

[gussmithy in reply to CallMeSunny]

Sunny, do you use the gel packs or is their heat without them?

[CallMeSunny in reply to gussmithy]

No gel pack. The heat is generated through the USB link and distributed throughout the wrap in a totally safe way. The wrap itself is soft (almost like old fashioned flannel material) and there are 3 heat settings. I tend to start of full power then reduce to low. It’s really comfortable to wear and really does help to keep my muscles warm. I also thought that at the price it’s selling at, it was worth trying….but I already had a power bank which I use to charge my phone if I’m away from home, stick on usb small strip lights in my wall cabinets/cupboards etc. You can read more about it on the Amazon website plus other people’s reviews.

[012703060610]

I have ones that go in the car in the USB charger and I wear thermacare when traveling and sitting for long periods. I basically have to have a heating pad to function at all hours! I feel all of your pain!

[gussmithy in reply to 012703060610]

Hello. What Thermacare product do you use, please. I want something re-useable.

[012703060610 in reply to gussmithy]

Thermacare are the disposables....which is what I fly with and then toss due to germs. I have the following different products that travel and you can reuse.

1-This one is incredible, but you can't sit back and lean on it. It also provides a gentle massage which has helped my back pain. I also use it for my belly too.

amazon.com/dp/B0C4LW2D94/re...

2-This one is magic. But it can't really be wrapped and walked around in. This is my daily go to for sitting.

amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07MC1D9...

3-This one is the true travel and go that can be simply charge via USB. I have all three of these plus your normal pain in the butt ones with cords that shut off every two hours. I often need to sleep with a heating pad. I like the size of this one the best.

amazon.com/Portable-Cordles...