Does a Heating Pad Help with Stent Pain?

September 23, 2025 •

5 min read

While heat therapy has been used for centuries to soothe muscle aches, the use of a heating pad for stent-related discomfort requires a nuanced understanding, as it depends on the type of stent and the location of the pain. This guide explores whether a heating pad is appropriate and safe for different types of stent pain.

Quick Summary

A heating pad can offer soothing relief for the specific muscular and spasmodic pain associated with a ureteral stent, but it is generally not recommended for managing cardiac stent pain due to the different nature of the discomfort. Always exercise caution, use a low setting, and consult your doctor before applying heat to a sensitive surgical area.

Key Points

Type of Stent Matters: A heating pad may help with ureteral stent pain but is inappropriate for cardiac stent pain.
Ureteral Stent Pain Relief: For ureteral stents, heat can soothe muscular cramps and bladder spasms.
Cardiac Stent Pain Management: Pain from a cardiac stent is usually at the insertion site, and chest pain requires immediate medical attention, not heat.
Safety First: Always use a heating pad on a low setting, with a cloth barrier, and for short durations (15-20 minutes) to avoid burns.
Never Sleep with a Heating Pad: Unattended use is dangerous and can lead to severe burns, especially if sensation is impaired.
Hydration is Key: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce irritation from a ureteral stent.
Consult Your Doctor: Before applying any heat therapy, get approval from your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for your specific condition.

Understanding Stent Pain: A Crucial First Step

Pain associated with a stent varies greatly depending on its purpose and location in the body. A stent is a small, expandable mesh tube placed in a narrow or blocked passageway to keep it open. For example, a ureteral stent is placed in the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder, while a cardiac stent is inserted into a coronary artery near the heart. The source and type of pain from these two procedures are fundamentally different, which directly impacts whether a heating pad is an appropriate tool for relief.

Ureteral Stent Pain vs. Cardiac Stent Pain

Ureteral Stent Pain

Nature of Pain: Often described as a dull ache or cramping sensation in the lower back, bladder, and side. The pain is typically caused by bladder spasms and irritation from the stent rubbing against the sensitive urinary tract lining.
Location: Flank, lower abdomen, or bladder area.
How Heat Helps: For this type of muscular and spasmodic pain, a heating pad can be quite effective. Heat improves blood flow and relaxes the muscles in the area, which can help calm bladder spasms and reduce the associated cramping. A warm bath can also achieve a similar effect.
Safety Precautions: Always use a low setting and do not fall asleep with the heating pad on. Placing a towel between the pad and your skin is also a good practice to prevent burns.

Cardiac Stent Pain

Nature of Pain: Post-cardiac stent pain is typically related to the catheter insertion site (often the groin or neck) and is not generally associated with the stent itself. Chest pain, if it occurs, can be a sign of a serious complication and must be evaluated by a medical professional.
Location: Puncture site (groin or neck).
Why Heat is NOT Recommended: Applying heat near the heart or a sensitive insertion site is not recommended for cardiac stent patients. The warmth from a heating pad could increase the heart rate or impact blood pressure, potentially posing a risk for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. Chest pain after a cardiac stent is treated with prescribed medications like nitroglycerin, not heat.

Proper Application of a Heating Pad for Ureteral Stent Pain

If your doctor has confirmed that a heating pad is suitable for your ureteral stent discomfort, following the proper protocol is essential for safety and effectiveness. Here are some guidelines:

Start with a low setting: Begin with the lowest heat setting to allow your body to adjust. You can increase it gradually if needed, but never use a high or intense heat.
Use a barrier: Always place a towel or a cloth cover between the heating pad and your skin to prevent burns or irritation. The skin in the lower abdomen can be sensitive.
Use in short increments: Limit heating pad sessions to 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This provides effective relief without the risk of overuse.
Stay awake: Never fall asleep while using a heating pad. Unattended use increases the risk of severe burns, especially if you have a medical condition that affects sensation.
Position correctly: Place the heating pad on your lower back or lower abdomen, directly over the area of discomfort. Avoid lying on the heating pad, as this can trap heat and increase the risk of burns.

Non-Heat Based Pain Management for Stents

For both types of stents, other pain management techniques and strategies are crucial for recovery and comfort. These methods are often used in combination with or in place of heat therapy.

Comparison of Pain Management Strategies


Method	Best For	Considerations	Effectiveness for Stent Pain	Key Points
Heating Pad	Ureteral stent muscle spasms, cramping	Not for cardiac stents or surgical sites. Use low heat and for short periods.	High for ureteral stent pain, but requires caution.	Use only with doctor's approval.
Oral Pain Medication	Post-op discomfort, catheter site pain, ureteral spasms	Type depends on stent (Tylenol is often safer for cardiac stents, NSAIDs for ureteral with caution).	High, often prescribed by physicians.	Consult a doctor for proper dosage and type.
Warm Bath/Shower	Ureteral stent bladder spasms, muscle relaxation	Avoid soaking until catheter site is healed after cardiac stent procedure.	High for ureteral stent pain, low risk.	Follow post-op instructions on bathing.
Hydration	Relieving ureteral stent irritation	Crucial for ureteral stent comfort. Avoid dehydrating drinks.	High for managing ureteral stent symptoms.	Drink plenty of fluids, mainly water.
Bladder Antispasmodics	Ureteral stent bladder spasms	Prescription medication that targets the source of the pain.	High for ureteral stent patients with severe cramping.	Only available by prescription.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Aid Recovery

Beyond direct pain relief, incorporating certain lifestyle changes can significantly improve comfort while a stent is in place.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, helps to dilute the urine, which can reduce irritation from a ureteral stent.
Avoid Irritants: For ureteral stents, avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and acidic juices, which can exacerbate discomfort and increase urinary frequency.
Manage Constipation: Constipation can worsen stent pain, particularly with ureteral stents. Fiber intake and stool softeners may be recommended.
Modify Activity: Avoid strenuous activities that can increase pain or lead to blood in the urine, especially for ureteral stents. For cardiac stents, follow the specific activity restrictions provided by your cardiologist.

Conclusion

While a heating pad can be a beneficial tool for managing the muscle spasms and cramping associated with a ureteral stent, it is not suitable for cardiac stent pain. Understanding the distinct nature of the pain for each type of stent is essential for using heat therapy safely and effectively. Always consult with your doctor before using a heating pad, and prioritize their recommendations for pain management, which may include prescribed medications and lifestyle adjustments. Heat therapy should be approached with caution, applied at low temperatures for short durations, and never used on an unhealed surgical site or near the heart. Remember to follow all post-procedural instructions to ensure a safe and smooth recovery. For additional resources and information on cardiovascular health, you can visit the British Heart Foundation website, a trusted source for patient information: https://www.bhf.org.uk/.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is generally not recommended to use a heating pad directly on the chest or near the insertion site after a heart (cardiac) stent. Post-procedure pain is typically at the catheter site, and chest pain could be a sign of a serious issue requiring medical evaluation, not heat therapy.

Yes, a heating pad on a low setting can help relieve the muscular spasms and cramping often associated with a ureteral or kidney stent. The heat can relax the muscles in your bladder and flank area, providing comfort. A warm bath can also be effective.

Yes, there are risks, primarily related to the potential for burns if not used correctly. Never sleep with a heating pad, use it on a high setting, or apply it directly to the skin. For cardiac stents, applying heat near the heart can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may be risky.

For ureteral stent pain, apply the heating pad in short increments of 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This is sufficient for relief and reduces the risk of skin irritation or burns from prolonged exposure.

Pain from a cardiac stent is usually localized to the catheter insertion site (groin or neck). Pain from a ureteral stent is typically cramping or a dull ache in the lower back, bladder, and side, caused by bladder spasms and irritation from the stent.

For discomfort from a heart stent insertion site, mild over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) are often recommended. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication and report any chest pain immediately.

For a ureteral stent, a warm bath can help relax bladder muscles and reduce discomfort. However, after a cardiac stent procedure, avoid soaking in a tub or pool until the catheter insertion site has fully healed, as this could lead to infection.

Other effective methods for ureteral stent pain include drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine, and taking prescribed medications such as antispasmodics.