I have a variety of hot pads that I use when I have spot pain - neck pads, back wraps, etc. I love the convenience of hot pads - stick them in the microwave for a minute or so, and you're good to go. And hot pads get progressively cooler, so if you fall asleep there is no danger of getting burned (as may happen if you are using an electric pad). But when I have neck and back pain, I need something bigger.
I found the DreamTime Cozy Comfort Spa Blanket on line and purchased it from Amazon so that I could send it back if I didn't like it. I've been using it for a year and love it. Pros: it's big - 40" long and 20" wide. It's cozy - the cover is Sherpa on one side, velour on the other. It's easy to use - the directions say to put the insert in the microwave, but I just roll the whole thing up and stick it in for 5 minutes. (If you need cold, you can put the insert in your freezer overnight, too.)
The cons: it's a little 'stinky'. Mine has a eucalyptus aroma (I notice that they are lavender this year). Not off-putting but, given a choice, I prefer unscented hot pads. And it's a bit heavy (after all, it's bigger than any other hot pad - 40"x20"). Also, it's purple. These are tiny, tiny "cons" considering the benefits.
Before I purchased this pad I was thinking about investing in a warming mattress pad, but I didn't want to wake up sweating because my internal thermostat said "enough already!". Now I just warm up this 'blanket' and put it on my bed before getting in on cold winter nights.
We're not talking cheap here - the best price I've found is [...] (shipping's free...thank you, Amazon) - but this blanket has been a lifesaver for me.