The Wonders of a Hot Water Bag: How to Use it for Pain Relief and Management of Various Ailments

A hot water bag is one of the oldest yet most effective remedies, to date, for musculoskeletal pain or cramps.

Almost each one of us has experienced musculoskeletal pain at some point in time, whether it’s from an injury or period cramps(women), or any other ailment. And a hot water bag has often been the go-to comfort for pain. 

People have been using hot water bags to alleviate pain for hundreds of years. Usually made with rubber, hot water bags are pain-relieving aids that help alleviate discomfort through local heat application. Heat eases the stiffness of muscles, improves circulation, and relaxes pain.

How hot water bag helps in combating pain?

1. A hot water bag improves blood circulation

The heat opens up the blood vessels and improves blood circulation. It further reduces congestion, swelling, and inflammation. This in turn helps in relieving pain. 

2. A hot water bag helps alleviate menstrual cramps

A hot water bag is the most common and natural remedy for coping with dysmenorrhea. The heat helps in relaxing the uterus and reduces the constriction of blood vessels. It further helps improve blood flow to the uterus. This eases the discomfort and pain from cramps. Research shows that placing a hot water bottle on the abdomen can help ease period pain by relaxing the contracted muscles.

3. A hot water bag aids in relaxation

A hot water bag aids in relaxing the muscles and improving blood circulation. This helps in relieving stress and tends to the tense neck and shoulder muscles. It further helps decrease stiffness and relieves the pain. Researchers also found that keeping a hot water bag at the feet can aid in improving sleep.

4. A hot water bag can help in lowering back pain

Applying a hot water bag to the area of pain in the back for 15 minutes can help in easing pain and discomfort. The research found that heat improves sensory receptor stimulation that deters pain signals from reaching the brain. A study published in NCBI also confirmed that thermotherapy can aid in relieving back pain. 

5. Hot water bag for arthritic pain

Arthritic pain is often characterized by painful and swollen joints. Doctors often recommend hot or cold therapy to combat the pain caused by arthritis. Studies confirmed that the application of hot water bags can help reduce arthritic pain significantly. Another study confirmed that applying heat can help preserve muscle strength.

6. Hot water bag for breast tenderness

Breast tenderness is a common issue encountered by many women during breastfeeding or pumping or mensuration. Though there are not many options for relieving this pain except for pain killers which come with their own side effects, a bag of hot water can bring great relief. It eases the knots in the breast and relieves the pain significantly.

Hot or Cold Therapy – Which one is better?

Heat and cold therapy are both proven therapies to combat pain and bring relief. But when to use hot therapy and when to use cold therapy is very important. Well, though both are equally effective, the choice depends on the kind of pain.

An ice pack is ideal for acute injuries or first aid. Ice helps in reducing inflammation and is the most effective first-aid relief for pain and injuries. However, ice should never be applied directly to the skin. While heat therapy is ideal for relaxing the muscles and providing relief for long-term pain like arthritis.

DIY How to use a hot water bag correctly?

Here are a few simple steps to follow to use it correctly –

• Firstly, always buy a high-quality hot water bag as the quality of rubber matters.
• Fill the bag with hot water. 
• Check the hotness and wrap it with a cloth to control the heat.
• Apply it to the area of pain and rotate the bag to keep the heat evenly distributed.

Caution!

• Heat therapy is not recommended for inflamed or sore muscles. For such injuries, ice is the best therapy.
• A hot water bag should always be used with caution as it can burn the skin if the water is too hot. 
• Also, since hot water bags are made with rubber, the material can deteriorate over time, again leading to skin burns.
• Secondly, it is important to check that the stopper is secured tightly. As there is a risk of leakage and neglect that can cause a burn.
• Do not apply the heat for too long. Ideally, the pain shall come down within 15 to 20 minutes. In case of severe pain, you can apply it after every two hours.

Your Takeaway!

A hot water bag helps soothe the pain and discomfort of back pain, headache, or stomach pain. It can also help people dealing with sleep problems, body aches, arthritis, or musculoskeletal pain. This simple and natural technique to relieve pain has been used for centuries and when used cautiously there are no reported side effects of using heat therapy.

Also Read:

Ice for Pain Relief

Home Remedies for Morning Foot Pain

Memory Foam Pillows for neck pain

Home Remedies for Shoulder Pain

7 Ayurvedic ways to beat Post Workout Pain

Text neck – A new neck pain