Public knowledge about the life-threatening risks of pain killers has sent back and neck pain sufferers looking for something else. Recent studies indicate that Continuous Low Level Heat Wraps (CLHW) are an effective way to manage pain. One study was done by the U.S. Spine and Sport Foundation, and the other by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The Johns Hopkins study focused on disability and pain in the workplace. I tried a ThermaCare wrap, the brand used in the studies.
Pain Management with Heat Wraps
Recently, studies from reputable institutions have found the use of continuous low level heat a viable pain management strategy for back and neck pain sufferers. They cite a reduction in pain intensity, an increase in pain relief and a reduction in disability among study participants. They say the wraps can be used during exercise with excellent results, as well as worn during the day, and while sleeping. I wore mine during the day, and found that the muscles that tend toward tightness experienced releases throughout the 8 hours of my experiment. The relaxation of my muscles brought about relief of the pain I was having, stayed warm the entire time, and imposed only a minimal interruption from my normal routine.How ThermaCare Heat Wraps Work
Just as the manufacturer says, ThermaCare HeatWraps are activated when you open their hermetically sealed package. It takes about 1/2 hour for the wrap to fully warm up. The wrap is lightweight, odorless and can be worn very discreetly. Once the wrap is out of the package, just remove the adhesive, and place the adhesive side on your skin, in the area of your back you wish to relax. I suggest you pull the wrap fairly tight while placing it on your back. This will minimize any gaping between your skin and the wrap during ADL. Of course, getting the wrap afixed to the exact place(s) of tension on your back is key to getting good results!Warning The manufacturer warns not to use the ThermaCare wrap more than 8 hours in a 24 hour period.
Manufacturer Warns Against Using Wraps with Cremes & Other Forms of Heat
Here are ther manufacturer's suggested ways how NOT to utilize the ThermaCare wrap:- with cremes, ointments, or lotions, especially medicated ones.
- on broken or damaged skin
- on areas of skin that are bruised or swollen
- on areas of the body where you are unable to feel heat
- on people who would be unable to remove the product if there were a problem with it, such as children, frail people or the elderly
- in conjunction with other forms of heat
While we're on the subject of heat, the Thermacare Wrap is a heated product, and therefore unsuitable for use in certain circumstances. It is best to check with your doctor before using this product if you have diabetes, heart disease, poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis or are pregnant.
The ThermaCare Wraps provide heat by means of disks covered by thin material. If you should come into contact with the disks, it is very important to wash your hands! The disks contain iron, so if they are ingested, treat as an emergency.
Skin Irritation & Burning - Precaution!
I did not experience any skin irritation when using the ThermaCare HeatWrap, but the manufacturer has taken the trouble to include a special insert inside the box delineating the potential effects of the use of heat with several conditions:- diabetes
- pregnancy
- aging
- poor circulation
- heart disease
- when extra pressure is placed on the wrap, for example, under tight pants or belts
The manufacturer also suggests that you check your skin periodically while wearing the wrap. Should you find your skin is burning, or if it feels too hot then stop using it, and call your doctor.
Date Created: January 26, 2006
