When that time of month rolls around, I am grabbing for just about anything to numb the pain — ibuprofen, a warm bath, dark chocolate, a glass of wine. Sometimes, all of the above.
In my desperation to cure period cramps, I’ve even leaned into some alternative methods like acupuncture and fennel tea. Little did I know that TikTok has had an easy solution all along — a cordless, wearable, vibrating heating pad that’s less than $25 on Amazon. Reviewers have called these little portable pads, a complete “game-changer,” and one of the best drug-free “hacks” for getting through bad cramps.
Typically, I wouldn’t take pro-bono medical advice from teenage girls on TikTok, but heating pads are actually a common medical expert-approved method for reducing period cramps. According to a report by Healthline, applying heat to your abdomen and lower back may relieve menstrual cramp pain. One review of studies found that heat therapy was just as effective at treating menstrual pain as NSAIDS. Plus, there are far fewer side effects associated with heating pads than drugs.
Plus, they’re not just used for periods. Per Healthline, heating pads can also be used to improve circulation, which could temper back pain, reduce stiffness, and inflammation. And sometimes, they’re just a nice tool for a relaxing, self-care day. Meaning, that you may want to consider buying one for your mom, daughter, and best friend. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
After this tried-and-tested device appeared on my #foryoupage a few times, I was influenced and went ahead and purchased one for myself. Given that it’s 42% off on Amazon at just $22, it couldn’t hurt to try it out. And let me just say — the TikTokers were not wrong.
This little device has been the solution I’ve been waiting for.
The pad heats up fast. I’m talking a matter of seconds, not minutes. I’ve used heating pads that can become overly intense to the point of burning, so having the option to control the heat level is essential. With this pad, you can choose between five heating modes from 113 to 150 degrees. You can easily adjust the level on the LED display. No need to scramble for a controller.
The “massage feature” offers five different levels of vibration therapy to improve circulation and reduce tension. After wearing this on the vibration mode for about twenty minutes, I experience an ample amount of relief. While this setting does create a slight buzzing sound — it is not loud, annoying, or distracting. You can easily get your work done, which leads me to the best part of this device.
With this heating pad, you won’t be tied down to the couch or your bed. The slim, elastic band is completely adjustable, so you can attach the cordless gadget to your waist and wear it underneath a sweatshirt or sweater while cleaning up around the house, working, or exercising. Plus, It’s exceptionally lightweight, so you’ll hardly remember it’s there. No need to interrupt your daily routine.
The bottom line: this portable heating pad may not work for everyone, but it sure makes my period a bit more bearable. One of the few times I can admit — TikTok has come to the rescue.
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