A good infrared heating pad?

Hi all,
I'm sure many of you can relate to having severe trigger points in the upper back, scapular area? Heat does seem to help somewhat with that "knife in the back" feeling, very severe at times. Speaking of that, does anyone ever have the fear that this pain could be heart related (anyone somewhat older, that is - I am 56). I never had this fear before, but I also have episodes of tachycardia and dizziness due to a related dysautonomia condition. When the fibro pains are severe, it seems to bring on the tachycardia attack. I'm sure you all can relate to that phenomenon, i.e. getting sick or stressed makes the fibro worse too, as well as weather changes. Does anyone else have a similar thing happen?. Just looking for reassurance, I guess. I think we probably all have a tendency to blame everything on our chronic condition. How are we supposed to know the difference that one time we may need to??

Anyway, by main question is whether anyone knows of a good heating pad they have purchased that you are able to lay against? All heating pads say not to lay against them because of the wires. I have tried an infrared pad with the jade stones, but had to send that back. Too hard to lay on. There is one made by Smarter Image if anyone wants to check it out, where it is more like a blanket, and reviews have said that people lay on them, but then a couple reviews said they did it even though the instructions say not to. If anyone knows of a good product, would appreciate knowing about it. Thank you, and hope your day is less painful!

Hi T,
Thanks for the response. I never thought about a massage chair, what a great suggestion. Just wondering, though, if you can use just a heat setting without the massage? Due to chronic dizziness, I try to stay away from things that vibrate! That's interesting that you also get the skipped beats or irregularity, although am sorry you have to have it. This whole area of connections to fibromyalgia is really interesting. I have had problems with dizziness along with fibro since my early 20's, but it has really become worse just in the last five years, and since then I've been doing some research trying to connect these issues. In doing so, I've read that fibromyalgia is actually a form of dysautonomia (other symptoms such as dizziness, orthostatic intolerance, tachycardia, heart irregularity, etc) so can go along with it, and is not uncommon. It even listed heart irregularity as a symptom of fibromyalgia, so it is not surprising. I never thought the two were related, but I guess they are, unfortunately. However, I think we tend to blame everything on the condition, so if you ever feel something is different or amiss, probably better to check it out. These conditions are very mysterious indeed, but when they flare can be very disabling. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right? I think while we are talking about this, I am going to start a poll to see how many people with fibro have both sets of symptoms. Might be interesting. Can I ask what brand massage chair you purchased? Thanks again.

Thanks so much, MelW11! That is the problem, I know, with buying an expensive one (like the infrared heat, which they say is the best). But if it can relieve the pain, guess it is worth it. I am going to check out that "heated chair pad;" haven't heard of that. Sounds great. Another member also suggested the heated massage chair also. I notice you mention in your space that you have tension headaches. I'm sure you know this, but just wanted to mention that if you rub a little BioFreeze or a product called Stopain (which is really good), it will really help I. Probably any of the counter-irritant creams would work, though. Take care.

I bought a catnapper chair with heat and massage. It's very nice.

Thanks Chi! I have used Bio-Freeze before but never thought about it for a headache. I have an essential oil that I use for headaches a lot. Probably the same type of concept.

The chair pad does have a massage feature as well, but it specifically says on the box that you can use just the heat.

Have a great weekend!

My chair has a remote where you can use just heat or massage or both.