by 
The Curious Bag
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Common sense must be utilized when using a heating pad. Whether it is used for too long a period or not used properly, injury can and does occur.
Burns
Prolonged exposure can cause burning. A heating pad should be placed over the area to be treated, with a towel or other piece of heavy fabric positioned between the pad and body.
Fire
Heating pads have been known to cause fires. Not all models have an automatic turn-off mechanism; a person using one should never fall asleep.
Shock
Anytime the source of energy is electrical, you run the risk of shock. A pad with a fraying cord or deterioration around the pad should not be used.
Electromagnetic Field
Like all other electrical appliances, heating pads produce an electromagnetic field. Researchers have investigated whether this field can disrupt internal body control systems, but no studies have definitively confirmed the theory.
Masking Serious Injuries
Treating painful symptoms with a heating pad can mask serious illness or injury. It is necessary to find the root cause of any pain that is persistent enough to warrant the use of heat.
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