Do heating pads help with cramps?

Everyone is different, but a heating pad can help ease menstrual cramps by increasing blood flow to your lower abdomen and relaxing your uterine muscles. Microwavable options, soft plushies, or belt-style heating pads work well for this purpose. Dr. Sherry adds, "Drinking water, warm or hot, also helps relax the uterine muscles during that time of the month."

Can you use a heating pad while pregnant?

According to Dr. Sherry, it's OK to use a heating pad while pregnant, and it can be particularly helpful if you're suffering from lower back pain. However, it's best to limit your sessions to about 20 minutes and set it to a lower heat setting. "If you apply it directly to your pregnant belly, make sure it's not hotter than the warm bath water you would normally bathe in," says Dr. Sherry. Also, avoid falling asleep with an electric heating pad during pregnancy.

How long should you use a heating pad?

Using a heating pad for 15 to 20 minutes is usually enough to alleviate muscle soreness, pain, or cramping. On a lower setting, you can use it for up to an hour. The main concern with extended use is burning your skin, so make sure you remove it promptly if it feels too hot.

The 12 Best Heating Pads of 2023

The Best Heating Pads to Help With Aches and Pains — Byrdie / Lecia Landis

A heating pad is helpful for soothing time-of-the-month cramps, swelling from an injury, sore muscles from working out, a stiff neck from slouching over your laptop, lower back pain, and even achy feet. "Heat in any form—a warm bath, hot water bottle, sauna, jacuzzi—all help by increasing blood flow and relaxing the muscles in the affected area," says Dr. Sherry Ross, an OBGYN and women's health expert based in Santa Monica. "Also, heat has an analgesic (feel good) effect," she adds.

Therapeutic heating devices have come pretty far from their hot water bottle roots. You'll find various plug-in models with adjustable temps, wearable designs, microwavable options, vibrating and massaging models, and even weighted pads. But with a bounty of options on the market, figuring out which is best for you can be overwhelming. To help you narrow it down, we tapped an expert for recommendations and tried a few top-rated options for ourselves. The result: A curated list of heating pads that actually work. We considered each product's size, features, and whether or not they offer auto-shutoff. We also took into account how hot the heating pads get and how long the power chords are.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Pure Enrichment XL Electric Heating Pad at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Sunbeam Heating Pad for Pain Relief XL at Amazon

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Best for Menstrual Cramps:

Voligo Menstrual Heating Pad at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sore Muscles:

Sharper Image Infrared Heating Pad at Sharperimage.com

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Best for Back Pain:

Geniani Extra Large Heating Pad for Back Pain Relief at Amazon

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Best for Neck:

My Heating Pad Microwavable Multi Purpose Wrap at Amazon

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Best for Feet:

Healthyline Soft Inframat Pro at Amazon

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Best Wearable:

Comfytemp Weighted Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders at Amazon

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Best Microwavable:

Solayman's Microwave Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders at Amazon

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Best Portable:

Sunbeam GoHeat USB Powered Heating Pad at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
How We Researched
Why Trust Byrdie

4.8

Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad

Amazon

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What We Like

Reasonably priced
Heats quickly
Machine-washable cover

What We Don't Like

Relatively short power cord

For an all-around awesome heating pad that can be used virtually anywhere on the body, your best bet is Pure Enrichment's PureRelief XL. At 12 x 24 inches, it's one of the larger options you'll find, which allows you to wrap it over your back, shoulders, arms, abdomen, calves—you name it.

This plug-in thermotherapy device has a controller with six temperature settings. It boasts super-fast (almost instantaneous) heating and gives you the option of dry or moist therapy. We also appreciate that the ultra-soft microfiber cover is machine washable.

Price at time of publish: $40

Size: 12 x 24 inches | Features: Six heat settings, LCD controller, dry/moist therapy | Auto Shutoff: Yes

4.2

Amazon

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What We Like

Budget-friendly
9-foot power cord
Washable cover

What We Don't Like

Relatively small size

Looking for a budget-friendly option? You can't go wrong with Sunbeam. This electric heating pad has three temperature settings, a user-friendly controller, a washable cover, and an extra-long (180 inches, to be exact) power cord. You can expect consistent heat for targeted relief of neck, shoulder, and back pain, as well as muscle cramps.

Price at time of publish: $25

Size: 12 x 15 inches | Features: Three heat settings | Auto Shutoff: Yes

Amazon

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What We Like

Far-infrared therapy
Heats quickly
Good for menstrual cramps

What We Don't Like

High setting is extremely hot

Cramps can be the worst, but with this heating pad on hand, you can count on relief. It generates far-infrared therapy and has an optional vibrational massage mode. What's more, the belt-style device heats up in three seconds flat and can be used on your lower abdomen or back.

Price at time of publish: $33

Size: 4.5 x 9 inches | Features: Rechargeable battery, massage function | Auto Shutoff: Yes

Sharper Image

View On Sharperimage.com

What We Like

Far-infrared therapy
Oversized

What We Don't Like

Not machine-washable

Sore muscles? You won't regret ordering the Infrared Heating Pad from Sharper Image. Measuring 35 x 27 inches, it's notably large and has a soft, cozy cover. We also like that it uses far-infrared technology, so it gets deep into your muscle tissues but is never hot to the touch.

Price at time of publish: $150

Size: 27 x 35 inches | Features: Three heat settings | Auto Shutoff: Yes

4.5

Courtesy by Amazon

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What We Like

Budget-friendly
10-foot cord
Five-year warranty

What We Don't Like

May not get hot enough for some people

Whether it's chronic or occasional, back pain can be a real drag. With that said, this sizable heating pad from Geniani can provide the relief you crave. It heats up in 30 seconds to your choice of three temps, and the soft cover is embedded with copper wires to ensure safety.

Price at time of publish: $37

Size: 12 x 24 inches | Features: Dry/moist heat therapy |Auto Shutoff: Yes

My Heating Pad Microwavable Multi Purpose Wrap

Amazon

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What We Like

Budget-friendly
Microwavable

What We Don't Like

Begins to smell after continuous microwaving

Anyone suffering from a stiff neck will be glad to have this microwavable wrap in their arsenal. This long, narrow thermotherapy companion is essentially a smooth fabric sleeve filled with rice. But don't let the low-tech design deter you—it does wonders for neck pain.

Price at time of publish: $25

Size: 26.5 x 4.5 inches | Features: Handles | Auto Shutoff: No

Healthyline Tao Mat Small 1818 Soft Inframat Pro

Amazon

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What We Like

Far-infrared therapy
High-tech design
Portable

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Give your puppies a break with the Healthyline Tao Mat. This high-tech warming device contains natural gemstones and boasts patented far-infrared technology with negative ions. Basically, this means it safely, effectively, efficiently increases blood flow to your feet.

Price at time of publish: $159

Size: 18 x 18 inches | Features: Adjustable temperature, negative ions | Auto Shutoff: No

Comfytemp Weighted Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Hands-free design
Weighted
9.5-foot power cord

What We Don't Like

Not a universal fit

Want something you can wear while working or watching your favorite show? Go with the Comfytemp Heating Pad. This hands-free device is weighted with glass beads to offer gentle yet comforting warming compression on your back and shoulders.

Price at time of publish: $50

Size: 19 x 22 inches | Features: Nine heat settings | Auto Shutoff: Yes

Solayman's Microwave Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders

Amazon

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What We Like

Budget-friendly
Microwavable
Natural fill

What We Don't Like

Smaller than it looks online
Not machine-washable

We're also big fans of Solayman's Microwave Heating Pad. With a soft cover and a buckwheat-flaxseed fill, you can find relief from aches and pains the natural way. Just nuke it for a minute or two, then apply it to any inflamed areas.

Price at time of publish: $27

Size: 14 x 5.5 inches | Features: Warm/cool therapy, buckwheat/flaxseed fill | Auto Shutoff: No

Walmart

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What We Like

Travel-friendly
Hands-free design
Machine-washable cover and straps

What We Don't Like

Must be plugged in at all times

Sunbeam makes some of the best heating pads on the market. Case in point: the GoHeat. This USB-powered device goes on like a belt to offer hands-free heat therapy anytime, anywhere.

Price at time of publish: $28

Size: 12.5 x 7.5 inches | Features: USB power source, extension cord | Auto Shutoff: Yes

Sharper Image Calming Heat 12-Setting XXL Weighted Heating Pad

Amazon

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What We Like

Weighted
Extra-large
9-foot power cord

What We Don't Like

Doesn't have the longest lifespan

The best weighted option is undoubtedly the Calming Heat model from Sharper Image. Not only does it provide 5 pounds of gentle pressure and deep penetrative heat, but it also has a soothing vibrational massage mode.

Price at time of publish: $90

Size: 24 x 20 inches | Features: 12 settings, massage function | Auto Shutoff: Yes

Nordstrom

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What We Like

Helps speed recovery
Ease pain
Aids total body relaxation

What We Don't Like

Instructions are a bit confusing

Whether you're looking to ease chronic pain, recover from workouts, or experience total-body relaxation, this mat from Higher Dose does all that and more. This device leans on Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) to ground you to the earth's magnetic field for a full-body reset, while infrared lights deeply penetrate heat into the body. Plus, an additional layer of healing crystals emits negative ions, which boosts mood and neutralizes free radicals in the body.

Price at time of publish: $600

Size: 19.5 x 39 inches | Features: 4 levels of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF), Infrared lights, Healing crystal | Auto Shutoff: Yes

Final Verdict

The best heating pad overall is definitely the Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Electric Heating Pad on account of its large size, ultra-soft washable cover, six temperature settings, and quick-heating technology. That said, if you want a microwaveable option instead of something that plugs in, your best bet is Solayman's Microwave Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders.

Meet the Expert

Sherry A. Ross, MD, (aka "Dr. Sherry") is an OB/GYN based in Santa Monica, California, a women's health expert, and the co-founder of URJA Intimates. She is also the author of She-Ology: The Definitive Guide to Women's Intimate Health. Period. and She-Ology the She-Quel.

What to Look For in a Heating Pad

Type

There are a few different kinds of heating pads on the market. The most popular type is the electric model, which typically plugs into the wall and has a handheld controller with at least three heat settings (the Pure Enrichment XL Electric Heating Pad is one of these). Among electric heating pads, you'll find weighted and massaging options, like the Voligo Menstrual Heating Pad, as well as hands-free and wearable designs.

Then you've got microwavable heating pads, which are usually filled with rice, buckwheat, or sometimes flaxseed. This type doesn't have a power cord and can be warmed up in the microwave or cooled off in the freezer. We like the My Heating Pad Microwavable Multi Purpose Wrap specifically, as it can be wrapped on any body part for instant pain relief.

Use

When shopping around for a heating pad, you'll want to consider how you intend to use it. Are you looking for something to alleviate menstrual cramps, soreness, a pulled muscle, inflammation, or stiffness? Or perhaps you want a multi-use design you can reach anytime you experience aches and pains. Most heating pads can be used on various body parts, but some are shaped or sized for specific areas, like the Geniani Extra Large Heating Pad for Back Pain Relief.

Size

Another thing to consider is the size. Heating pads that claim to be "XL" are typically 16 x 24 inches, give or take, whereas standard models are usually closer to 12 x 15 inches. If you want something bigger, you can find oversized options that measure roughly 25 x 35 inches. Also, it's important to check the dimensions before ordering one, as heating pads often look larger online than they are in real life.

FAQ

Do heating pads help with cramps?

Everyone is different, but a heating pad can help ease menstrual cramps by increasing blood flow to your lower abdomen and relaxing your uterine muscles. Microwavable options, soft plushies, or belt-style heating pads work well for this purpose. Dr. Sherry adds, "Drinking water, warm or hot, also helps relax the uterine muscles during that time of the month."
Can you use a heating pad while pregnant?

According to Dr. Sherry, it's OK to use a heating pad while pregnant, and it can be particularly helpful if you're suffering from lower back pain. However, it's best to limit your sessions to about 20 minutes and set it to a lower heat setting.
"If you apply it directly to your pregnant belly, make sure it's not hotter than the warm bath water you would normally bathe in," says Dr. Sherry. Also, avoid falling asleep with an electric heating pad during pregnancy.
How long should you use a heating pad?

Using a heating pad for 15 to 20 minutes is usually enough to alleviate muscle soreness, pain, or cramping. On a lower setting, you can use it for up to an hour. The main concern with extended use is burning your skin, so make sure you remove it promptly if it feels too hot.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a professional commerce writer based in Portland, Oregon. She has been writing for Byrdie since 2020, where she covers beauty, wellness, and women's health. Perpetually on the lookout for products that reduce inflammation and stiffness, she has used several thermotherapy devices over the years. For this story, she spoke with an OB/GYN, researched the different types and key features of heating pads, pored over user reviews, and considered dozens of models before making her selections.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any heating pads from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

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