Tendons and muscles can become extremely sore because of your daily chores, working out, or spending too much time in the office. Painkillers have many side effects, but the best heating pads for neck and shoulder pain will improve the quality of your life.
Heat therapy will drive more blood to the muscles and tendons, helping them recover after excessive effort. Heat also helps release tension, so you can stay active. Keep on reading to find out more about the best heating pads for pain.
Disclosure – This post contains affiliate links that generate a commission at no additional cost to you.
Reviews of the Best Heating Pads for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Are you struggling with sore muscles that can keep you awake at night? Investing in one of the following heat pads will change your life because they will help your muscles relax, and will alleviate pain and tension. Check out our top products.
1. MaxKare Large Heating Pads for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Say goodbye to painful muscle spasms and agonizing back pain with the help of this heating pad. It’s extra-large measuring 33 X 24 inches to cover all the contours of your back and shoulder. It even extends to cover the collar bone.
This electric heating pad stays in place with the help of the magnetic clasps, weighted edges, and the straps to secure it around your body. It allows for hands-free usage, so you can keep on working, watching TV, or relaxing while allowing the soothing heat to ease your pain.
Moreover, the neck contour keeps the heat and prevents quick dissipation for better results. The design guarantees fast heating and even heat distribution.
It’s user-friendly and environmentally-safe as it comes with 2 auto-off timer settings, so you can avoid excessive heating. The heating feature is divided into 5 different settings, with minimal gaps between the settings, so you can pick the most suitable one.
Putting it feels comfortable because the flannel is soft to touch. It doesn’t irritate your skin, and it’s machine washable after removing it from the electric controller for better hygiene. However, sleeping in this heating pad can be a little bit uncomfortable because the electrical connection is on the side.
What We Like
- An extra-large heating pad that covers the whole back and shoulder area.
- Stays secured in place with magnetic clasps and straps.
- 5 heat settings.
- 2 auto-off timer.
- Soft and machine washable flannel.
What We Don’t Like
- Sleeping on the side can be a bit uncomfortable.
2. Snailax Heating Pads for Neck and Shoulders
Once you switch it on, this heating pad will heat up in 2 minutes to relieve tension and pain. It comes with an auto – off setting that shuts it off after 30 minutes, and an overheat protection for more safety. There are 2 different heat settings available.
In addition to thermal therapy, this pad offers soothing vibration massage that targets your upper back, shoulders, and neck. This pad has 2 vibration motors with 5 massage settings, so you can choose the most comfortable setting.
This heating pad is rather compact, so you can use it in the office or at home. You can also fold and use it on your abdomen, legs, or any other part of the body to relieve pain and muscle soreness.
You can use the heat and massage options simultaneously or activate only one function at a time. However, there aren’t enough heating options as the ones you can find on other models. Moreover, the heating pad is rather small and doesn’t cover the lower back area.
What We Like
- Fast heating in 2 minutes.
- Heating and massaging therapy that relieve pain.
- 5 massage settings.
- Heating and massaging can be used together or separately.
What We Don’t Like
- It doesn’t cover the lower back area.
- It has 2 heat settings.
3. Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL
This pad measures 12 X 24 inches for full body heat therapy. You can use it on your back, shoulders, neck, abdomen, and legs to relieve tension and relax your muscles after working out or making an excessive effort.
The thick microplush feels soft to touch, so it won’t irritate your skin, allowing you to use this pad for extended periods. It heats fast and offers 6 heat settings with an LCD digital controller. The auto-off timer can keep it going up to 2 hours.
Unlike other heating pads, this one can be used in moist heat therapy to offer better penetration that targets pain. You can also wash the pad in the washing machine, so it will last for years. However, some spots might not be as hot as others, so you might not get the same result.
What We Like
- Big and soft heating pad.
- Can be used to target different spots.
- 6 heat settings with an LCD digital controller.
- Can be used for moist therapy.
What We Don’t Like
- The heat is uneven in some parts of the pad.
4. Sunbeam Massage and Heating Pad for Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief
Measuring 25 X 25 inches, this heating pad can be used to relieve pain in your back, neck, and shoulders. It also offers gentle massaging that helps drive more blood to the sore muscles and tendons. If you’ve been working hard at the gym or sitting for too long, this heating pad will promote faster recovery.
It comes with an LED digital controller that offers 2 heat settings and 4 massage settings. The pad stays in place thanks to the magnetic clasps and slightly weighted edges. It delivers moist heat for instant pain relief.
Unlike other pads, this one can last up to 2 hours, giving you a relaxing massage session with heat therapy. After that, the automatic shut – off will turn it off for maximum safety.
Some people feel that the pad is rather heavy. You might not be able to keep it in place if you tend to move around. Our handy guide to the best full body massage mats features more great products like this.
What We Like
- Large pad.
- 4 massage settings and 2 heat settings.
- Can last up to 2 hours.
- Compatible with moist heat.
What We Don’t Like
- It feels rather heavy.
- Doesn’t remain in place.
5. REVIX Microwave Heating Pad for Neck Shoulders and Back Pain Relief
If you’re looking for a 3-in-1 therapy, you should give this heating pad a try. It delivers the benefits of heat, cold, and aromatherapy in a single product that lasts for long.
The large curved shape of this heating pad will help apply heat to your neck, shoulders, and upper back to help relieve pain and pressure. It delivers the benefits of moist heat for instant pain relief.
Placing this microwavable pad in the microwave for a few seconds is enough to heat it up to alleviate pain. It will help with spasms, cramps, and tension, so you can get active doing your daily chores.
You can also place it in the freezer, and it will work as a cold pack that relieves swelling, reduces pain, and improves injuries. It can be used at home or in the office
This pad is filled with a 100% organic mix made of natural herbs, including lavender, peppermint, millet, chamomile, lemongrass, and flax seeds to retain heat for longer. It also preserves moisture to relieve the pain of stiff muscles, arthritis, and joints pain.
It measures 4 X 8 X 20.5 inches, so it’s smaller than other pads. You need to take care of this pad because it’s not machine-washable. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best neck and shoulder massagers.
What We Like
- Combines 3 types of therapy in a single pad.
- Relieves pain and helps with recovery.
- The herbal mix provides aromatherapy and retains moisture for instant pain relief.
- Can be used at home or in the office.
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller than other pads.
- It’s not machine-washable.
6. Utaxo Heating Pad Wrap
This pad delivers soothing heat therapy that relieves pain and relaxes cramps and spasms. It measures 32 X 25 inches, and covers the entire back, shoulder area, and even extends towards the collar bone. It’s an excellent choice for people with a long torso.
The outer layer is made of waterproof microfiber that feels extra soft against your skin. It has 6 different heat settings and will automatically shut off after 2 hours. It will remain warm even after you’ve switched off the heat, so you can use it on any part of the body.
There are detachable straps and snap fasteners that help secure it in place. The pad is also machine-washable after the controller and cord are removed. Nevertheless, it doesn’t get really hot compared to other models, even when the highest setting is used.
What We Like
- Large heat pad.
- Suitable for taller people.
- Can be used for up to 2 hours.
- Features detachable straps and clasp fasteners.
What We Don’t Like
- It doesn’t get very hot.
7. UTK Jade Infrared Shoulder Heating Pad for Pain Relief
Today, you can kiss shoulder pain goodbye with the help of this practical infrared heat pad. It features a carbon fiber heating element that emits infrared to target sore muscles. These rays deeply penetrate through the tissues to reach the muscles or joints, alleviating pain instantly.
Using this heating pad will deliver short and long-term benefits because it improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation. The pad is designed to fit on the shoulder or the knee to help with recovery after a painful surgery or injury.
It contains 21 jade stones that produce negative ions, offering the combined benefits of crystal therapy with heat. The heat will penetrate deeper, and the crystals help relax your muscles and mind. The pad comes with an adjustable belt.
However, it can’t be used to target other painful areas like the back or neck. It’s more expensive than other models.
What We Like
- Heating pad with a carbon fiber heating element.
- 21 jade stones.
- Releases negative ions and infrared rays.
- Promotes faster recovery after surgery.
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than other models.
- Can’t target the painful spots in the back or neck.
8. ATMOKO Electric Heat Pad
Measuring 23.6 X 33.5 inches, this pad is designed to fit the contours of the shoulder and the neck for potent heat therapy that relieves pain. It boosts the blood circulation and can also keep you warm in winter.
It comes with fixture straps to secure it in place, leaving your hands free. There are clasps that wrap it around the neck, so it won’t accidentally move to keep delivering the benefits of heat therapy.
There are moist and dry heat options with 3 heat settings. It automatically shuts off after 90 minutes to protect the pad from overheating. After removing the cord and the controller, you can clean it in the washing machine.
The soft plush is suitable for people with sensitive skin. However, the shoulder area doesn’t heat up very well, compared to other products.
What We Like
- Large and soft heating pad.
- Fixture straps and clasps for hands-free usage.
- Shuts off after 90 minutes to protect the pad from overheating.
- Dry and moist heat options with 3 heat settings.
What We Don’t Like
- The shoulder area doesn’t heat very well.
How to Choose the Best Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulder Pain?
These pads can help with recovery after a painful injury and can help you retain the range of motion when your muscles and tendons are sore. Here are some factors to think about before using one.
Size
Some pads are designed to cover the whole back, while others will only target upper back and shoulders. Bigger pads are bulkier, but they will target more areas to relieve pain. Smaller pads are more compact, so you can use yours wherever you go.
Heat Settings
Having more settings gives you multiple options to choose from. You could try with the lowest setting and increase the heat if you needed. Your pad’s controller should be easy to adjust, so you can pick the right setting whenever you like.
Vibration Massage
Some heat pads offer this extra feature to relieve pain and promote faster recovery. Massage vibrations help boost the blood circulation to drive more oxygen to sore muscles and tendons.
Safety Features
A good pad will have an automatic feature that shuts it off after some time. This will protect the pad itself from overheating, so it can last longer. Moreover, too much heat can be a bit uncomfortable. Some pads are designed to last for 30 minutes, while others might last for hours.
FAQs
1. How does a heating pad work?
The heat drives more blood to the target area, providing the muscles with more oxygen as the blood vessels dilate. This helps in managing pain if the muscles are stiff, sore, or overly worked.
2. How long should you use a heat pad?
The pad should be applied for 20 to 30 minutes maximum if you’re using a high setting. After that, you should remove it and let the area cool down, then apply it again if needed. If you’re using a low setting, you can use the pad for up to one hour.
3. Does a heating pad have any side effects?
Heat pads can help manage and alleviate pain, but they can also cause some side effects when not used properly. You shouldn’t apply the heating pad directly to your skin, and you shouldn’t use it if the skin is broken or damaged. If you feel too hot, then it’s time to turn the heating pad off.
Wrap Up
The heat from heat pads relaxes tight muscles and eliminates pain from surrounding tissues. This is why you need to invest in a good one that can help you sit and sleep comfortably.
We chose the MaxKare Large Heating Pad for Back and Shoulder Pain as our top choice because it’s large enough to cover the back, shoulders, and neck. It shuts off automatically to protect the pad from overheating. It’s also machine-washable.
You can find other cool options on our list that can help you feel comfortable after a long day. Check them out, and you’ll find the right one for you.
Leave a Reply