[Click! Health] Excessive Air Conditioner Use Causes 'Joint Cold Air Syndrome'... "Maintain Appropriate Temperature"

During the summer, excessive use of air conditioning can cause pain in the shoulders, lower back, or knee joints, leading to a condition known as 'joint air-conditioning sickness,' which requires caution.

Air conditioner. [Image provided by Pixabay]

According to Seoul Yes Hospital on the 13th, joint air-conditioning sickness occurs when the body’s functions have adapted to the summer temperature but are continuously exposed to excessively cold environments.

Staying indoors with air conditioning for extended periods allows dry cold air to penetrate deep into the bones, causing peripheral blood vessels to constrict rapidly. This leads to abnormal blood circulation and stiffness in the joints. This happens because the muscles around the joints atrophy, and the synovial fluid?which acts as a lubricant reducing friction between bones?solidifies and loses its function.

Especially during sleep, when the body’s organs and muscles rest, direct exposure to cold air causes muscle stiffness and disrupts balance, making it difficult to achieve deep sleep. The more the muscles and blood vessels remain stiff overnight and are repeatedly exposed to air conditioning the next day, the worse the joint pain can become. When tropical nights prevent restful sleep, the secretion of pain-suppressing hormones decreases, causing increased sensitivity to pain compared to usual.

These symptoms require extra caution for women with weaker muscles and bones, as well as for older adults. Degeneration of bones, ligaments, joints, and discs makes them more sensitive to pain caused by significant temperature changes.

Experts advise that the key to preventing joint air-conditioning sickness is 'maintaining body temperature.' When exposed to air conditioning for long periods in places like offices, it is recommended to wear light outerwear such as cardigans indoors to help retain body heat. Air conditioning units should be turned off for 5 minutes every hour and ventilated regularly. It is also important to avoid direct exposure of the body to air from air conditioners or fans. For those who usually suffer from lower back pain or joint pain, wearing a brace or support on the affected area is another method.

Taking half-body baths or applying warm compresses to areas where pain mainly occurs, such as the shoulders or lower back, can help improve blood circulation in the joints. Getting sufficient sleep to promote the production of endorphins, which suppress pain, is also important. Light stretching before bedtime and using a low pillow about 6?8 cm high to protect the neck are recommended.

However, if symptoms such as joint pain persist despite these measures, it is essential to visit a hospital immediately. Yang Jae-woo, an orthopedic specialist and director at Seoul Yes Hospital, stated, "When joint air-conditioning sickness occurs, most symptoms can improve easily with rest or warm compresses." However, he warned, "For those with chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or osteoporosis, medication, physical therapy, or in rare cases, surgery may be necessary." He emphasized, "If pain lasts more than a week or worsens, it is crucial to seek an accurate diagnosis at a hospital."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.