Are you one of the millions of people that suffer from chronic back pain? Maybe it’s through an injury or years of poor posture. There’s a possibility of an undiagnosed issue as well. There are many questions that may come to mind. Can weighted blankets cause back pain? Are these blankets as useful as all the reviews suggest? These are completely valid questions to ask. If you have an issue with back pain, I believe this article is going to get you the answers you’re looking for.
Those who suffer from constant or chronic pain also experience other unwanted conditions. One of the most common is the lack of proper sleep. The pain not only keeps people awake but also increases stress and anxiety levels which makes it even more difficult to fall asleep properly. Taking sleep medication may interfere with their pain medication, which is why using a weighted blanket for pain may be the answer.
But are weighted blankets good for chronic pain?
Make sure to read the complete article before you make a decision if a weighted blanket is right for you. There’s no point in buying a weighted blanket if it’s not going to help you get the relief you’re looking for.
The information on Namaste Blankets is intended to be used as guidelines. Do not replace our advice with a registered health professional or therapist’s advice. It’s best to consult with your healthcare professional for serious inquiries.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Overview
In this article, we’ll answer all those questions and more. Whatever your situation, living with chronic pain is no fun. Living your life with a constant dull ache can have an impact on your daily life. Small physical chores can become agonizing. And, if you live on your own then there is no one to help pick up the slack. This is why treating your chronic back pain is so important. You shouldn’t have to live in pain for the rest of your life. So, let’s find out how weighted blankets help with chronic back pain.
Back pain is sharp and unexpected while other pain is dull and aching. Both types of pain make it difficult to want to do anything. Sitting or standing for long hours at work can take an incredible toll. Weekend activities become worrisome since you don’t know if your back pain will appear. As we know, back pain is limiting. Most people think pain killers are the option but that’s untrue.
Sometimes pain killers just don’t cut it. There are always risks of addiction and side effects. There are definitely safer options out there. This is why we’re here to dispel the myth that weighted blankets cause back pain. If anything, we’re going to discuss if weighted blankets help with back pain.
What is Back Pain?
Back pain is a sharp dull ache that inhibits your back muscles. Take note of any pain in your back that forms during any activity. This includes moving large objects or simply, picking items up off the ground.
Unfortunately, back pain is a major epidemic. According to statistics, back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. This prevents many people from engaging in work and daily activities. It’s one of the reasons many people have routine hospital visits. The discomfort is just too great to bear. Back pain is the most common reason why employees use sick and personal days.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain can be the result of many issues. An obvious cause includes physical activity. This includes heavy lifting or participating in sports. If the incorrect form is used then this can endanger your physical health. When you’re lifting objects make sure to have proper form or warmup.
The muscles in your back can be strained and even torn if you’re not careful. Even if you manage to avoid straining your muscles, you can still experience discomfort. This includes dull aches that can be a precursor to injury.
Less obvious causes can be medical conditions. Some medical conditions have direct links to back injuries. Some of these conditions include arthritis and osteoporosis.
Also, back pain comes from old age due to declining health, physical activity, and nutrition. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to reducing back pain. Developing healthy habits are going to become more important as you age.
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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![]() | YnM 15lbs Weighted Blanket, 100% Oeko-Tex Certified... | 46,237 Reviews | $39.90 $29.90 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How To Prevent Back Pain?
Sports create an environment where back injuries are possible. This is due to the intense physical demand for the sport. Stretching and sleep are keys to limited back injuries to name a few. There are many ways to help prevent back pain or injury. We’re going to discuss how a weighted black can help back pain.
Weighted Blanket Back Pain Reports
There have been many people that have reported a weighted blanket causing back pain. There are several causes of this. Some of the most common causes of this. As a weighted blanket company, we always recommend 10-12% of a person’s body weight. Sometimes, the weighted blanket is too heavy for the customer. This is caused by customers buying a weighted blanket that’s too heavy for them. Like we always recommend, get a weighted blanket that’s 10-12% of your body weight.
If you’re an athlete and tend to have a fluctuating weight then stick to 10% of your body weight. It is better to play on the safe side and not sacrifice your sleep to have a heavier blanket. These have been the recent weighted blanket back pain reports we’ve received and will update this article accordingly.
Is There A Weighted Blanket For Pain Relief?
There are no weighted blankets specifically for pain relief. But, there are weighted blankets that indirectly help relieve pain. Weighted blankets use Deep Touch Pressure (DTP) to reduce pain. This is done through weighted technology that increases oxytocin in the body. Oxytocin is a natural pain-relieving hormone released in the body.
If you are suffering from back pain, it’s possible to experience relief by using a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets are backed by research. The back pain relief abilities of a weighted blanket are due to DTP.
Weighted blankets are known for helping ease pain. And, particularly great for chronic back pain as well. You need to sleep to help recover faster. Weighted blankets help release oxytocin but also, serotonin. As serotonin is a precursor to melatonin. Melatonin helps you relax and sleep. With the promotion of these hormones, you’ll gain a healthy sleeping pattern.
A weighted blanket provides pressure across your back to reduce inflammation. In turn, reduces your pain and discomfort. Having a weighted blanket for pain relief has a lot more benefits such as:
- Reducing anxiety
- Managing night terrors
- Regulating hectic sleep schedules
- Assisting children with autism
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s In A Weighted Blanket?
It depends on what weighted blanket you’re looking at. For our weighted blankets, they contain high-density glass beads inside. High-density glass balls evenly disperse and are sewn into the blanket. These glass beads provide the necessary weight to provide DTP. The pressure will provide the back pain relief you seek. If you want to learn more, click here.
Deep Touch Pressure Explored
The deep pressure therapy from weighted blankets grounds your body. This will feel like a warm, soft hug. The high-density glass beads press down on the muscles. Your brain then releases oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin. This will ultimately reduce your cortisol levels and inflammation.
Endorphins and oxytocin are natural pain relievers. Endorphins are the reason to feel great after a workout. Increased serotonin levels will only improve your mood. Like we mentioned before, serotonin is the precursor to melatonin. With melatonin, it’s only going to get easier to sleep.
Cortisol is decreased with a weighted blanket and cortisol is linked to stress. Stress is known to keep people up a night. It messes with your sleep and healing abilities. Sleep is the perfect way to help relieve back pain.
Weighted blankets and chronic back don’t gell well, clearly.
Quality weighted blankets help the body to heal itself. And, help reduce tossing and turning as you sleep. By restricting some of your movements, you’ll allow the body to heal faster. You get a deeper sleep and be more stationary as you sleep.
How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be?
A weighted blanket should be 10 -12% of your body weight. A weighted blanket that is too heavy may provide adverse effects. And, a blanket too light will not provide any pain-relieving benefits. If you’re looking for a weighted blanket for couples, click here to right weight and size.
Blanket weight (lbs) | Bodyweight (lbs) |
7lbs to 10lbs | 70lbs to 100lbs |
10lbs to 15lbs | 100lbs to 150lbs |
15lbs to 20lbs | 150lbs to 200lbs |
20lbs to 25lbs | 200lbs to 250lbs |
Can a Weighted Blanket Cause Back Pain?
If it’s too heavy, yes it can cause back pain. This is why it’s always important to follow the weighted blanket guidelines. Like we mentioned before, always get a weighted blanket within the 10-12% mark of your weight. Do not exceed this recommendation because ultimately, you risk getting a weighted blanket that’s going to be too heavy for you.
Not only will it be hard to move but it will be harder to remove the weighted blanket from you. Sleep is supposed to be comfortable, it’s not supposed to be a chore. Plus, if you have weak muscles, a weighted blanket that’s too heavy for you can cause muscle pain.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In Conclusion
The back pain relief you seek is possible with a weighted blanket. You don’t need to rely on medication. A weighted blanket may not be the final solution but it’s a great tool to have. It’s a great medically-backed holistic tool to help fight your back pain.
The deep pressure provided by weighted blankets uses natural hormones to reduce back pain. We can’t stress how a weighted blanket relieves pain. Remember when buying a weighted blanket, follow the 10-12% guide above.
When combined with physiotherapy, these blankets work well to reduce pain. So, do weighted blankets cause back pain? No, they cure it!
Finally, can weighted blankets cause back pain? Yes, they can if you don’t get the right weighted blanket for you. If you get a blanket that’s too heavy, that’s where you get the issue of a weighted blanket causing pain. It may seem scary but it’s very simply dealing with weighted blankets. Always get a blanket that’s 10-12% of your body weight, no more or less. They’re completely safe.