Causes of Frequent Body Pain in Air-Conditioned Rooms and How to Prevent It

YOGYAKARTA - Being in an air-conditioned room feels very comfortable, especially when the weather is hot. The cool air makes the body feel fresh and the activity more focused. However, not a few people complain of body aches after being in an air-conditioned room for too long.

This complaint usually appears in the form of stiff neck, back pain, or uncomfortable joints. Does AC cause the body to be tired or does the complaint appear more influenced by the body's habits while in the room? Here is an explanation from an orthopedic surgeon.

The Causes of Frequent Body Pain in Air-Conditioned Rooms

Quoted from Hindustan Times, the head and chief orthopedic surgeon at Welcare Hospital, Dr. Bharat S. Mody, explained that the body is sore because it has been in an air-conditioned room for too long is not caused by the AC directly. This problem is more due to the habit of sitting for too long without moving.

"Air conditioners do not directly cause arthritis or bone damage. However, the habit of staying too long in an air-conditioned room can actually worsen muscle stiffness and discomfort," explained Dr. Mody.

In addition, poor posture also exacerbates this condition. Sitting for too long with a bent or non-ergonomic position can trigger muscle tension. In the long run, this can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, and back.

However, it is undeniable that the cold temperature in the room also affects the condition of the muscles and joints. Cold air can make the muscles more stiff, less flexible, and blood circulation tends to slow down.

Mody said this condition will be felt more by people who have a history of joint problems. For example, osteoarthritis, back pain, or old injuries. They are usually more sensitive to cold temperature changes.

Age factor, said Dr. Mody, also has an influence on the emergence of pain. As people age, muscle mass and joint flexibility will decrease. This makes the body more difficult to adapt to cold environments.

In addition, lack of exposure to sunlight is a frequently overlooked cause. Spending too long in an air-conditioned room makes a person rarely exposed to sunlight. As a result, the body can experience vitamin D deficiency.

"Vitamin D is essential for bone health and calcium absorption; vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, bone pain, and, in severe cases, an increased risk of fractures," says Dr. Mody.

How to Prevent Body Pain in Air-conditioned Rooms

The good news is, the body aches due to air-conditioned rooms can be prevented with simple changes in daily lifestyle. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

Adjust the air conditioning temperature so that it is not too cold. The recommended ideal temperature ranges from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. Avoid sitting directly under the AC blast. Cold air that hits the body directly can speed up muscle tension. If necessary, use additional clothing to keep the body warm. Get used to moving to maintain muscle health. Try to stand up or stretch every 30 to 45 minutes. This light activity helps improve blood circulation. Don't forget to keep your body hydrated. Even if you're not sweating, your body still needs enough hydration. Use an ergonomic chair to keep your posture good. The correct sitting position can reduce the risk of muscle pain. Make sure your back stays straight and not too bent. Take time to do light exercise and get some sunlight. Light physical activity such as walking is enough to help maintain body fitness. Sunlight exposure is also important to meet vitamin D needs.

That's the cause and how to overcome the body often aches in an air-conditioned room. By following the simple steps above, the comfort of cold air can still be enjoyed without having to sacrifice the condition of the body.

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