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A member asked:
Can prolonged use of an electric heating pad cause internal damage, particularly to the kidneys? i have been using an electric heating pad for chronic back pain nightly for 2 years+ 2-4hours at 113f-130f. i am concerned about possible internal damage, es
5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
You : You won't hurt your kidneys but you can sure burn the skin on your back! ouch! i ask my patients with low back pain to use hot water bottles because they naturally cool off and you can't fall asleep and get burned.
Answered 7/26/2018
5.3k views
It's : It's very unlikely that you would do internal damage, but you certainly could injure yourself more superficially. Skin burns from heating pads are quite common, and even have a name for them: erythema id agne. Be careful about the heat intensity you use. Warmer temperatures are probably not going to be that more effective.
Answered 11/30/2020
5.5k views
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