Heating pad

Can a person overuse a heating pad? I've been using one almost every night before bed for the past few months for either cramping or back pain.

I read somewhere that using it a lot can cause nerve damage, but I wasn't sure if it was just for that particular brand or all heating pads.

Thanks!

Don't know for sure, but if you're pregnant or planning to be pregnant..don't use one continually.

I used to use them a lot....did start using the microwave grain bag and feel better about falling asleep with it than with a heating pad.

Mind you..there are ones with an timer on them....remember, you can burn yourself with them...been there done that.

q

I used to use them all the time. Sometime I put one between my thighs to warm up quickly on a cold day. I was started on blood thinners 2 years ago for a blood clot. Over time, I began to notifce a huge, very visible brown, heavily mottled area covering my whole inner thighs. It is very evident when I am out in shorts. People stare and some have even said "Ew, what's that?" The Anti-coagulation Clinic said to go to a dermatologist. He immediately recognized it as a response to a heating pad while being on blood thinners. He said he could show me picture after picture in his medical books. It is permanent. The Anti-coagulation Clinic had the attitude that because they had never heard of it it does not matter. But, it does to me. I cannot ever wear shorts or a bathing suit again and I live in the South near a river and we have a boat.

So, since I am permanently disfigured, my only solace is to warn others. That is what I do eveytime I catch someone staring. Maybe I can help someone else.

I use a heating pad on my back every single night as it helps with the back pain from my colitis. Sometimes I fall asleep with it on and since it's an old one I have burn scars all over my back. I don't see them and I never wear anything that shows my back so I don't care, but it worries my husband. I plan to look for one with a timer, but I can't help but wonder if those scars are permanent. They're mottled and brown like UC since'76 explains.

quincy said...
Don't know for sure, but if you're pregnant or planning to be pregnant..don't use one continually.

I used to use them a lot....did start using the microwave grain bag and feel better about falling asleep with it than with a heating pad.

Mind you..there are ones with an timer on them....remember, you can burn yourself with them...been there done that.

q

I agree, the microwaveable ones with grains are nice and you don't have to worry.
Plus they smell good (I have a lavender one).