Body pain is one of the most frequent health issues encountered by people of all ages, from kids to young adults and the elderly. It is certainly advised to consult with a doctor if a person develops excruciating discomfort due to severe injuries or other underlying chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease.
However, in minor health concerns such as straining the body at home, work, workouts, or fleeting instances of joint/muscle soreness, headaches etc., one key gadget works wonders in relieving pain – the humble hot water bag.
Also Read: Medical Devices: 5 Must-Have Health Monitors In Every Household
What Is A Hot Water Bag?
A hot water bag is a fundamental heating device that serves as a natural method of pain relief and keeping the body warm. The basic apparatus is commonly made of rubber, along with a plastic composite material.
A hot water bag is a simple appliance that employs the principle of delivering heat to a local region in the body to lessen pain. The mechanism by which it quells discomfort involves decreasing stiffness, swelling in the bones, muscles, joints, tissues in the vicinity, improving blood circulation to the cells in those zones and generating warmth in the area.
Types Of Hot Water Bags:
There are two types of hot water bags manufactured nowadays and commercially available in countries around the world. These are rubber hot water bags and electric hot water bags.
Rubber Hot Water Bags:
This is the conventional kind of hot water bag made out of rubber material that is heat-resistant and also waterproof to a good extent. Also known as non-electric hot water bags, these gadgets are rectangular in shape, with a tough ribbed exterior and have a tight stopper at the top centre, to seal the container firmly after filling it with hot water.
Electric Hot Water Bags:
An electric hot water bag is a slightly advanced version of the original rubber hot water bag. It is ready-to-use, being already filled with water or expandable gel and requires to be plugged in for charging, for merely 5 – 10 minutes so that it becomes hot. Shaped like a rubber hot water bag, this rectangular tool has a cord to connect to a power source, that comes with an LED light indicator that glows red while fuelling up and turns off once it is fully charged.
Both rubber hot water bags and electric hot water bags come in a regular size that is ideal for use at home or in an office, as well as a small size that is compact and portable for travel purposes.
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Spectacular Benefits And Proven Uses Of Hot Water Bags:
Hot water bags, although a very simple device, confer umpteen benefits for reducing bodily pain and uplifting overall health. The excellent uses of hot water bags comprise:
- Alleviate body aches due to menstrual cramps, particularly in the lower abdomen in women
- Pacify joint pain in the knees due to excessive use or in cases of arthritis, osteoporosis
- Soothe discomfort triggered by muscle strain, cramps post exercise, gym workouts, playing sports
- Decrease pain in the stomach in times of gastric problems, bloating, flatulence/gas, ulcers, acidity and enhance digestion
- Resolve pain in the neck from long working hours in front of a computer, extended periods of reading books or sleeping in odd positions
- Subside headaches and migraines that arise due to stress, tension, anxiety and help calm the mind
- Infuse warmth in the surroundings, especially during heavy monsoons and peak winters, thereby ensuring deep sleep at night
- Mitigate low back pain after prolonged sedentary phases, intense physical labour doing chores in the house or tasks at work
- Ease persistent tooth pain and ear aches when placed along the jawline
Side Effects And Health Warnings Of Hot Water Bags:
A hot water bag is a completely safe device that can be easily used at home and does not require any medical supervision by a doctor or nurse. Nevertheless, it can lead to certain side effects including skin burns, cuts and wounds, or even severe dermal tissue damage, when used excessively or in the wrong manner.
Following some precautions is hence essential while using a hot water bag, such as:
- Avoid applying too much force or pressure on the hot water bag, like sitting on top of it or pressing it down with the feet
- Refrain from using a defective hot water bag since it may result in leaking of boiling liquid which in turn hurts the skin
- Always check for possible leaks in the hot water bag by filling it with cold water or room temperature water first, so as to prevent injuries
- Do not fill the hot water bag up to the brim with boiling water, as it may overflow and induce intense pain in the body
- Use the hot water bag on the body at a moderately warm temperature and not while it is extremely hot to avert any damage to the skin
- Apply the hot water bag after covering it with a thin, soft cloth in case of sensitive skin, since directly placing the heated device on the body may trigger burning, peeling or skin allergies
- If using a hot water bag to make the environment warm for a baby or child to sleep, place it at an ideal distance and make sure it is not too hot, in order to prevent any injuries to kids. Parental supervision is a must while using hot water bags for infants, toddlers.
Conclusion:
A hot water bag is a basic device necessary for every household. Despite being a cheap, simple, inexpensive tool that is widely available in most grocery stores and pharmacies, as well as being sold online, a hot water bag performs many useful roles and works well to relieve body pain and induce warmth in times of cold weather. Use it in the proper manner, adhering to all the safety precautions, to prevent any inadvertent side effects and uplift overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric heating pads safe to use?
Electric heating pads are safe when used according to the manufacturer's instructions, but it's important to avoid prolonged use and always check for damage before using.
Can hot water bags help with menstrual cramps?
Yes, hot water bags can help alleviate menstrual cramps by relaxing the muscles and increasing blood flow to the pelvic area, providing relief from pain.
How long should I use a hot water bag in a specific area?
It's generally recommended to use a hot water bag for 15-20 minutes at a time, giving your skin a break to prevent burns or irritation.
How can I prevent burns while using a hot water bag?
Always wrap the hot water bag in a cloth or towel before applying it to your skin and avoid using extremely hot water to fill the bag.
Are there any specific conditions where using a hot water bag is not recommended?
Avoid using hot water bags in areas with poor circulation, open wounds, or inflamed skin conditions, and consult a doctor if unsure.
References:
1. The effect of Transabdominal Pelvic Hot Water Bag Application on The Perceived Pain of HysterosalpingographyAuthors: Mehmet Ferdi Kinci, Kazim Emre Karasahin, Ulas Fidan, Mehmet Erşen, Mustafa taşar and Müfit Cemal Yenen
2. Comparison of Effectiveness between Hot Air versus Hot Water Bag Application in Reduction of Musculoskeletal Pain among Patients Admitted in Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Mrs. Ishrath Fathima. I1, Dr. Renuka. K2
https://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR_Vol.9_Issue.6_June2019/28.pdf
