The Efficacy of Moist Heat Therapy in Reducing Back Pain: Proved By Science

Science

Back pain is a prevalent condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide, including in Australia (1).

As chiropractors, we frequently explore and evaluate various treatment modalities to provide our patients with effective pain relief. Among the numerous therapies available, heat therapy stands out as a common and accessible method. In particular, the use of moist heat has demonstrated potential advantages over dry heat packs.

This article aims to explore the comparison between moist and dry heat in alleviating back pain, supported by research evidence.

Moist Heat vs Dry Heat: Mechanisms and Benefits

Mechanisms of Heat Therapy

Heat therapy works primarily by increasing the temperature of the targeted area, which results in vasodilation, improved blood flow, and muscle relaxation. Additionally, heat can reduce muscle spasms and alter the perception of pain through neuromodulation (Kim et al., 2020).

The increased blood flow facilitates the delivery of oxygen and nutrients while aiding in the removal of waste products, which can expedite the healing process.

Advantages of Moist Heat

Moist heat, delivered through methods such as hot water bottles, steamed towels, or heat wraps, has been shown to provide deeper tissue penetration compared to dry heat packs. This deeper penetration enhances the therapeutic effects, including improved muscle relaxation and pain relief.

Studies suggest that moist heat can be more effective than dry heat in increasing tissue elasticity and decreasing joint stiffness (Petrofsky et al., 2013).

Comparative Research

A study by Petrofsky et al. (2013) investigated the effects of moist heat versus dry heat therapy on muscle flexibility in different joints. Results indicated that moist heat produced a greater increase in flexibility and decrease in muscle stiffness, suggesting a superior outcome for tissue elasticity.

Another study highlighted that the humidity level in moist heat applications allows for better heat transfer to deeper tissues, reinforcing its efficacy over dry heat (Robertson et al., 2005).

Conclusion

The use of moist heat therapy in the treatment of back pain offers substantial benefits over dry heat packs, primarily due to its ability to penetrate deeper tissues and improve outcomes related to pain relief and muscle relaxation.

As chiropractors, adopting and recommending moist heat can enhance our therapeutic approach, offering our patients a more effective and comfortable treatment for back pain.

References

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain

2. Kim, K., Monroe, J. C., Gavin, T. P., & Roseguini, B. T. (2020). Local heat therapy to accelerate recovery after Exercise-Induced muscle damage. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 48(4), 163–169. https://doi.org/10.1249/jes.0000000000000230

3. Petrofsky, J. S., Berk, L., Bains, G., Khowailed, I. A., Hui, T., Granado, M., Laymon, M., & Lee, H. (2013). Moist heat or dry heat for delayed onset muscle soreness. Journal of Clinical Medicine Research. https://doi.org/10.4021/jocmr1521w

4. Robertson, V. J., Ward, A. R., & Jung, P. (2005). The effect of heat on tissue extensibility: A comparison of deep and superficial heating. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 86(4), 819–825. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2004.07.353