Heat Therapy for Back Pain

Heat promotes various healing processes and penetrates deeply into the muscles and tissue. In the case of muscle tension, the perception of pain in the brain is reduced and the muscles are relaxed by the supply of heat. Metabolism is stimulated, the vessels expand and circulation is promoted. In this way, the tissue can be supplied with nutrients and toxins can be transported out of the body. Persistent pains such as muscle tension or damaged tissue can be relieved with heat but only following medical advice. In the case of muscle tension, heat should only be applied if the joint is neither inflamed nor swollen. It is not recommended to apply heat directly to the joint but to limit the application to the surrounding musculature.

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What are the most common causes of back pain?

Incorrect posture
One of the main causes of back and neck pain is poor body posture. Being conscious of your posture day-to-day can help prevent back pain.
Lack of movement
A sedentary lifestyle is another major cause of back complaints. Our body is designed to move. Spending too long sitting and moving too little can cause muscle atrophy and decrease flexibility which can lead to pain in the back and neck area.
Overweight and poor nutrition
Being overweight not only strains the joints, but also the spine. A balanced diet and regular exercise are therefore not only important for general health, but also for a strong back.
Stress and psychological strains
Stress can not only affect the psyche, but also cause physical complaints. Chronic stress often leads to tension in the muscles, especially in the neck and shoulder area, which can ultimately lead to back pain.
Incorrect lifting and carrying
Heavy lifting without the correct technique can lead to back injuries. Make sure you lift heavy loads correctly by bending your knees and keeping your back straight. Avoid twisting your upper body while lifting.

How does heat affect the body?

Heat has a long tradition as a natural healing method and has been used for centuries for various types of pain. But how exactly does heat affect our body?

Reduction of pain perception:
Heat stimulates the production of endorphins, the body's own painkillers, thus reducing the perception of pain.
Muscle relaxation:
The heat penetrates deep into the muscles and releases tension, leading to a noticeable relaxation of the back muscles.
Promotion of circulation:
Heat expands the blood vessels and improves blood circulation, ensuring a more efficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissues.
Healing processes:
Heat promotes various healing processes. It can influence pain receptors and reduce the perception of pain.

A young woman is sitting in front of an infrared lamp in the living room

Infrared rays - effect of infrared light on health

Sunlight is composed of all colours of the rainbow. Some colours are visible to the human eye, others are not. Red light is a natural component of sunlight and acts on the body as heat. This has a relaxing effect on the body and promotes well-being. The irradiated skin becomes warm, circulation is increased and the metabolic turnover in the temperature field is increased. The body is stimulated to heal by the effect of infrared light, healing processes can be specifically supported, and cell regeneration is increased.

Beneficial infrared light can be used specifically for the treatment of tension, circulatory disorders of vessels, colds, joint pain and low body temperature. In this way, tense muscle parts can be relaxed, vessels expanded, pain relieved and body temperature increased. Furthermore, infrared light can help you with ear, nose and throat diseases. Infrared lamps have been used for decades in the treatment of colds.

How do infrared rays work for back pain?

The infrared heat rays penetrate only a few millimetres under the top layer of skin and create a pleasant "deep heat". This promotes blood circulation which encourages a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to the treatment area while metabolic products are more easily transported away. Tensions are released and pain is relieved. At the same time, the combination of muscle relaxation and improved blood circulation has a slight anti-inflammatory effect.

An elderly man with back pain is sitting on the bed

What other heat applications are there for back problems?

Infrared massage devices
Massage devices with infrared light combine the relaxing effect of the massage with the pain-relieving properties of infrared light. The massage function releases tension and promotes circulation, while the infrared light penetrates deep into the tissue and provides healing heat. This double effect makes infrared massage devices an extremely effective tool against back pain.
Massage devices with heat function
When muscle tension makes everyday life difficult, a soothing massage can often work wonders. A massage promotes blood circulation to the skin and muscle layer. In addition, massaging the back and neck muscles has a relaxing effect to relieve hardening.
Heating pads
Heating pads are soothing helpers for back and neck problems. The consistent heat output and targeted application can really help you unwind when you suffer from tension.
Hot water bottles and cherry stone pillows
Two helpers that almost everyone probably has at home. Cherry stones store heat particularly well. They simply warm for a short time in the microwave or in the oven, ready to be applied to the area of pain.
Sauna
A visit to the sauna can not only loosen the muscles, but also increase your general well-being. During a sauna session, the body temperature increases, leading to improved blood circulation and muscle relaxation. At the same time, the change between heat and cold stimulates blood circulation. This effect not only supports the supply of muscles with oxygen and nutrients, but also contributes to the detoxification of the tissue.
Hot baths
A warm bath can work wonders for tense back muscles. You can also add essential oils to the bath water to enhance the relaxing effect. Lavender, chamomile, rosemary and eucalyptus, for example, are known for their relaxing effect.

Beurer devices for soothing heat

Beurer offers you a comprehensive range of products for pleasant heat in case of back problems.

In addition to the deep-acting infrared lamps and radiant heaters from Beurer, you can effectively relieve complaints with the infrared massage devices from Beurer. Whether deep-acting tap massage or soothing vibration massage, the infrared massage devices combine the relaxing effect of the massage with the deep-acting properties of infrared light.

With the Beurer back and neck massage devices, you can also reach the hard-to-reach back and neck region.

The Beurer massage pillows are also the ideal duo for back and neck problems thanks to the additional heat function. Thanks to various models, the Beurer heating pads are particularly flexible to use. In our range, you will find not only modern sofa cushions and flat, fluffy heating pads, but also those that you can attach to your stomach, back or neck with a rubber band or belly belt.

[Not all Beurer heating products are designed for the therapeutic purposes mentioned here. The enclosed product information and the product-specific intended uses described therein apply.]