Cramping, stomach pain, bloating — if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you’re no stranger to these difficult symptoms. In addition to diet changes and other treatments, many myIBSteam members rely on heating pads and hot water bottles to manage the pain and discomfort that can come with an IBS attack.

“I’ve got major cramps and bloating and can’t seem to get comfy no matter what I do. I just want to get home to my hot water bottle,” one member commented.

“I’m having a bad day today, and now I have abdominal pain,” another member shared. “Hopefully the hot water bottle will stop the pain.”

While a heating pad won’t eliminate IBS pain, it’s an accessible way to get some relief at home. This article discusses how a heating pad can soothe your pain and outlines the safety precautions to follow when using it.

IBS and Pain

Pain is a common problem for people with IBS. Some of the painful symptoms of IBS include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping — Often considered the hallmark of IBS, this pain usually lessens following a bowel movement.
• Bloating and gas — Many people with IBS experience a feeling of swelling in the abdomen along with painful gas.
• Constipation — The discomfort and straining caused by constipation can lead to significant abdominal pain and discomfort.
• Diarrhea — Frequent, urgent bowel movements can cause pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen.

Pain can significantly affect quality of life for myIBSteam members. Severe pain can make it hard for members to keep up with their normal routines: “I’ve been in so much pain today. I couldn’t sit, stand, or walk. Finally, I’m on my couch with a hot water bottle.”

Talk to your doctor if your pain is interfering with your life or keeping you from being able to sleep. They can help you understand what to do to find relief. They can also check to see if your pain is related to other health conditions that can affect people with IBS, such as fibromyalgia or chronic pelvic pain.

How Does a Heating Pad Help IBS Pain?

Whether you’re using a heating pad, hot water bottle, or the water in a hot bath, heat therapy offers several benefits for healing and comfort. Heat therapy is particularly helpful for sore muscles and joints, as warmer temperatures increase circulation and reduce stiffness. The sensation of heat may also help crowd out pain signals to the brain by activating different nerves. As a result, muscle contractions and cramping in the pelvic region may feel more manageable when using a heating pad.

Potential Dangers of Heating Pads

Heating pads may seem harmless, but there are potential dangers and safety considerations to keep in mind. Be sure to read the instructions on your heating pad and watch for any product recalls. Avoid using a heating pad for too long — around 15 to 20 minutes is usually all that’s recommended. If the lowest setting is sufficient, don’t turn the heating pad up hotter than needed. You can place a towel between your skin and the heating pad for extra protection.

Frayed wires or punctures make heating pads unsafe to use. And if you see sparks, it’s time to get rid of your heating pad. Always keep heating pads away from oxygen tanks, water, and unsupervised children. Finally, don’t use a heating pad when you’re falling asleep. You should be alert and mindful of how hot your skin feels.

Should You Use a Heating Pad?

It’s important to talk to your doctor about the type of pain you’re experiencing, including the location and severity of the pain. A heating pad is an effective home remedy, but it may not be enough if pain from IBS flare-ups is making it hard to keep up with your daily activities and obligations.

Finding strategies to effectively manage pain is essential for your mental health and well-being. Never hesitate to let your health care provider know when you need more resources for pain management.

In addition to medical treatment options, your health care provider may suggest other pain management techniques like deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help you lower stress levels and find relief.

Finding the Right Heating Pad

Electric heating pads are popular and come with several useful features. You’ll need a nearby outlet to connect the device. Look for an electric heating pad with an auto shutoff button, especially if you’re concerned about accidentally falling asleep while using it. Heating pads with multiple heat settings let you customize how hot it gets.

For joint pain, look for a heating pad that wraps around small areas. A good fit will let you move around while using the heating pad and better target the desired area.

Instead of an electrical plug-in heating pad, some people prefer wireless heating pads or hot water bottles. These wraps have a water compartment or come with inserts made from gel or sand. Simply heat the insert in the microwave for the recommended amount of time, put it in the pocket of the heating pad, and strap it on. It can be harder to control the temperature with nonelectric heating pads, but you won’t need to stay near an electrical outlet.

Talk to your doctor if your pain is interfering with your life or keeping you from being able to sleep. They can offer advice about what to do to find relief. Your doctor can also check to see if your pain is related to other health conditions that can affect people with IBS, such as fibromyalgia or chronic (long-term) pelvic pain.

Find Your Team

On myIBSteam, the social network for people with irritable bowel syndrome and their loved ones, more than 25,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with IBS.

Do you use heating pads for IBS pain? What other strategies do you rely on to relieve IBS symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.