Hot packs, moist warm towels, heating pads, water bottles and infrared lamps are often used to help raise the temperature of soft tissues directly below the skin. Heat applied to the surface of the skin enlarges blood vessels below the surface, relaxing tissues and temporarily relieving painful symptoms. Increasing circulation and relaxing muscles is helpful before or after chiropractic adjustments, exercise, and other treatments. Heat is usually recommended for the relaxation of tissues in spasm and temporary relief of the symptoms associated with chronic pain and muscle spasms.