Menu

Best Heating Pad for Lower Back Pain

Corey Majeau

When it comes to those handy gadgets that everyone should have in their home, a heating pad is a must-have item, especially if you suffer from back pains, muscle soreness, abdominal cramps, or are going through a surgery recovery. A heating pad is a perfect solution to these problems – in no time you can soothe the affected area with tried and tested heat therapy. These accessories are designed in such a way as to penetrate deep into the muscle, radiating heat and breaking up knots and cramps. This acts as immediate relief, soothing your body and offering that much-needed rest and ease.

Naturally, a heating pad for lower back pain will offer the same benefits, but with a shape adjusted to provide targeted heat therapy to a certain part of your body with the greatest efficiency.

1. PhysioNatural Microwaveable Heating Pad – Editor's Choice

Check Price
  • Dimensions: 54” x 10”
  • Type: Microwaveable

2. COMFIER Pain relief Heating Pad

Check Price
  • Dimensions: up to 62”
  • Type: Electric

3. Sunbeam SoftTouch Heating Pad

Check Price
  • Dimensions: 24” x 12”
  • Type: Electric

4. Pure Enrichment PureRelief

Check Price
  • Dimensions: 44.5” x 9.5”
  • Type: Microwaveable + Electric

5. GENIANI Extra Large Pad

Check Price
  • Dimensions: 24” x 12”
  • Type: Electric

6. Saferell Fast-Heating Pad

Check Price
  • Dimensions: 24” x 12”
  • Type: Electric

Best Heating Pad for Lower Back Pain

1. PhysioNatural Microwaveable Heating Pad – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 54” x 10”
  • Type: Microwaveable

Pros

  • Flaxseed filling
  • Doesn’t have to be plugged into work
  • Sectioned chamber design
  • Fluffy minky cover
  • Long-lasting heat
  • One-size-fits-all adjustable strap

Cons

  • Needs to be reheated for prolonged heat therapy

Editor’s choice

Those who suffer from lower back pain know how difficult it is to find an efficient and hassle-free solution to their problem. Heating pads are a rare exception, and this microwavable heating pad is a great example of how a simple design can work wonders for pain relief. Easy to use without any electric power needed to operate, this flax-filled heating pad for lower back pain heats up in a microwave to offer an instant soothing effect. Thanks to the sectioned chamber design, densely packed with natural flax seeds, this heating pad can provide long-lasting and deeply penetrating heat: a few minutes in the microwave will get you 20 to 30 minutes of intense heat therapy.

The outer surface of this pad is made from super comfy minky fabric, which is soft to touch and helps the pad retain heat even better. A great choice for some post-workout comfort, cramp relief, and post-surgery recovery, this microwavable heating pad is suited for anyone that doesn’t want an electric heating pad but wants equal efficiency. A long and wide velcro attachment makes for a secure and tight fit, and allows plenty of adjustment for every user regardless of their body shape- the straps are 54” long and the heating pad is 15”.

Who Should Buy This Product?

For anyone looking for a reliable and dead-easy-to-use heating pad for lower back pain, this microwavable design is a great choice. All that is needed for quick and simple heat therapy is a microwave and a few minutes of your time: no cables or electric outlets are needed.

2. COMFIER Pain relief Heating Pad

Highlights

  • Dimensions: up to 62”
  • Type: Electric

Pros

  • Dry and moist heat selection
  • Massage function
  • Two levels of heat therapy
  • Three massage modes
  • Adjustable belt suits plus-size people

Cons

  • Vibrations could be too gentle for some users

Runner up

Combining the latest technologies and tried-and-true design solutions, this heating pad for lower back pain will keep you pain-free with ease. There are two levels of warmth to choose from, and the built-in heaters of this pad can get to the desired preset level of heating very quickly. In addition to the heat therapy that relieves pain, this heating pad goes a step further to help you combat your aching back by including a handy vibration massage option, also available in 2 intensity levels and 3 massage modes. The massage mode can be used without the heating effect and vice versa, making for a truly versatile and multifunctional device.

For precaution, this heating pad has a nifty auto shut off feature that prevents overheating and potential mishaps. The durable velcro wraps can extend up to 62 inches and ensure a secure fit. On the outside, the material used is a silky, super soft velvet fabric, with added stitches for a tidy finish and added durability.

Who Should Buy This Product?

With its adjustable dimensions, optional massaging feature, and two intensity levels of heat therapy, this heating pad for lower back pain can offer plenty of relief for a tired or hurt back. The massage and heating option can be used independently or combined for a more potent effect.

3. Sunbeam SoftTouch Heating Pad

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 24” x 12”
  • Type: Electric

Pros

  • Extra large size
  • Machine-washable cover
  • Extra-long cord
  • 4 heat settings
  • Auto shut off feature

Cons

  • Can slip and shift around due to lack of ties or straps

Customer’s choice

Wide and generously-sized, this heating pad doesn’t have straps that hold it in place but owing to that, it can be easily adjusted to cover greater areas of your body. Not only that it is great for the lower back, but will perfectly soothe your whole back, strained abs or abdominal cramps, tight thighs, and tense shoulders. This modern design boasts a patented sensor technology that maintains a consistent heat output in one of 4 personalized heat settings you get to choose from. You can also choose from either moist or dry heat, both of which offer a unique form of pain relief.

For your safety, the heating pad will turn off on its own after two hours to prevent accidents if you happen to fall asleep with the pad still plugged in. This pad’s extra-large dimensions make it a versatile accessory and can be positioned both horizontally and vertically, depending on your preference. It also boasts a super comfy plush fabric with SoftTouch backing, which is not only comfortable but also fully machine washable. This prolongs the life of your pad- and makes sure it is always clean and fresh when you need to use it.

Who Should Buy This Product?

If your whole back is troubling you, or you simply need to cover as much surface as possible, here is the best solution. This extra-large heating wrap will easily soothe the sore area with its multi-level heat therapy that ensures natural pain relief.

4. Pure Enrichment PureRelief

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 44.5” x 9.5”
  • Type: Microwaveable + Electric

Pros

  • Special gel pack for dual therapeutic purpose
  • Relieves pain, soreness, inflammation, and swelling
  • Can be used plugged in or cordless
  • 4 temperature settings
  • Ideally suited for the lower back region
  • Adjustable Velcro straps

Cons

  • The cord is too short

The best heating pad for pain relief

This heating pad for lower back pain has a twofold function: it can reduce inflammation and swelling, as well as be used for pain relief. Its “secret” lies in a special hidden gel pouch, which can either be frozen to offer cool, refreshing relief to a recently injured area or microwaved to provide soothing and revitalizing heat therapy. This feature makes the pad perfect for targeted pain relief in any scenario, whether you need inflammation treatment or soothing soreness. Additionally, this means that you can use this heating pad for lower back pain cordless if you prefer so, with the option of using it plugged in as well, like a standard electric heating pad.

When plugged in, this heating pad can achieve a temperature up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. A modern, sleek controller allows you to choose from four temperature settings and has an auto shut off feature for your safety but also for energy conserving purposes. This pad has a unique adjustable design that allows you to find the perfect fit for your body. It comes with a nifty little carrying sack, so you can carry it wherever you go. Likewise, it can be machine washed without any worries.

Who Should Buy This Product?

The unique combination of cordless microwaveable function and plug-in electric heating makes for a very versatile heating pad for lower back pain, great to be used on the go or when you’re relaxing at home. To boot, it comes with a gel pack that can also be frozen for cold therapy benefits.

5. GENIANI Extra Large Pad

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 24” x 12”
  • Type: Electric

Pros

  • No straps
  • King size
  • Suited for heavier people
  • Heats up in seconds
  • Moist heat or dry heat
  • Intertek certificate

Cons

  • Heat mostly concentrated in the center of the pad

The best heating pad for lower back pain for plus size people

While adjustable straps do offer some wiggle room and adjustability for different body types, not all plus-size people can easily find a heating pad for lower back pain that can hug their curves and deliver pain relief at the same time. This is why the strap-free and extra-large design of this heating pad are ideally suited for people that carry extra weight in the lower part of their body. Thanks to its generous size, this heating pad allows you to cover a greater area of your body for targeted and efficient heat therapy.

The dimensions allow you to easily cover the whole of your lower back, your entire abdomen, shoulders, or any other area as needed. This electric heating pad features simple and modern controls, with three heat levels – medium, high, and low. Of course, the auto shut off feature is a must, but with an added guarantee of safety, the manufacturer ensured an Intertek US certificate. As a bonus, this extra-large heating pad for lower back pain features a fully machine washable cover made from plush, velvety fabric that feels luxurious to touch.

Who Should Buy This Product?

Without straps that could restrict you or make the heating pad unusable, this king-size heating pad for lower back pain is ideal for plus size people. Generously sized and with 3 heat modes to choose from, it will ensure pain relief for any body type.

6. Saferell Fast-Heating Pad

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 24” x 12”
  • Type: Electric

Pros

  • Heats up in 3 minutes
  • Dry and moist heat options
  • LCD controller
  • Tailored therapy with 6 heat modes
  • Machine washable cover
  • 10ft (3m) meter cable

Cons

  • Not hot enough for some people

The best quick-heating pad for lower back pain

For instant pain relief, you can’t rely on heating pads that take too long to achieve the set temperature- some cheap heating pad designs take a whole lot of time to heat up and sometimes don’t reach the desired temperature, which beats the purpose of heat therapy in the first place. Luckily, this fast-heating pad design is the total opposite of that, as it reaches the optimal temperature in no time, giving you the relief you need – whenever you need it. Unlike some other models on the market, this heating pad for lower back pain features a highly modernized controller, offering 6 heat levels, a digital LED display, a 10 feet cable, and four control buttons.

The design also incorporates a unique dual heating technology, with a fast change from dry to moist heat, and vice versa. Another feature that sets this design apart is the modernized auto shut-off feature, allowing you to choose between 30, 60, and 90 minutes of delay- but either way, it shuts off after 2 hours, so there is no need to worry about safety.

Who Should Buy This Product?

This effective heating pad will achieve the set temperature lightning-fast- and with a maximum output of 148 degrees, immediate pain relief is all but guaranteed. Modern design and an affordable price don’t hurt, either, making this an all-around great heating pad for lower back pain.

Is Heat Therapy Efficient for Lower Back Pain?

Regardless of whether your lower back pain is acute or chronic, brought on by age, injuries, or just a side effect of some other condition, your body will need some assistance to relieve that pain without medications. When an injury is still fresh, it causes inflammation and swelling – a natural reaction from your body. In this initial stage of an injury, cold therapy is what does the trick. Low temperatures, of course, lower your body heat, and thus constrict your vessels, reducing the swelling and lowering the inflammation. This also leads to that well known numbing effect. But, once the inflammation and swelling are lowered, the best next step is heat therapy. And here is where heating pads come in hand. Granted, some heating pad designs are versatile – they allow for cold therapy as well, so you could go through the whole process of treating your injury all with the same little gadget.

Heat therapy is great for improving the blood flow and easing the movement of the affected muscles. This in turn improves the flexibility of the affected area, quickly returning you to your previous pain-free state of better mobility. Heat is a natural way to keep up the circulation of blood, and thus add to the healing process of the affected area. Heat is also great for that soothing feeling, and can also “numb” the area as easily as cold can. Heat therapy is best used intermittently. Heating pad designers knew this, and thus added the all-important shut-off feature that allows you to apply the therapy at even, parallel intervals.

As a result, a heating pad for lower back pain can significantly help reduce the symptoms (pain) and help treat the underlying issue (if it’s an issue that can be treated with heat therapy). This is why a heating pad for lower back pain is especially recommended for people recovering from an injury or a strain, seniors suffering from backaches, sports or gym enthusiasts that have overstrained themselves, woman looking to soothe back pain during their period, and anyone that wants to get back pain relief while being cozy and toasty.

You may want to check out: Best Small Heating Pads

In Conclusion

Practical and easy to use, a heating pad for lower back pain will help you get instant relief and work towards eliminating the root of the pain. The warmth radiating from this nifty gadget will soothe your aches and tension, whether it’s chronic or acute, caused by post-workout soreness, post-surgery pains, recovery periods, period discomfort, or anything in between.

Thanks to their clever design, some of the heating pads for lower back pain can also be used on other parts of the body with the same success in pain relief, and some even offer dual therapeutic function by providing cold therapy and heat therapy both.