Doctors say that sudden shift from a hot outdoor environment to a cold AC room can shock your muscles and joints, causing stiffness.
Published Nov 19, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 26, 2024 | 2:23 PM
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Do you feel those nagging body aches creeping in as winter approaches? You are not alone!
As the chill sets in, doctors warn that it’s common for people to experience joint pain and body aches during colder months. For those already dealing with arthritis or chronic joint pain, winter can exacerbate these symptoms, making the cold season even more challenging.
But why does this happen? What’s the connection between winter and body pain, and how can you protect yourself from it? What role does AC play, if any, in causing pain?
Dr Raviprasad Kattimani, an orthopaedic surgeon at the Sparsh Hospital in Bengaluru spoke to South First about the reasons behind it.
“A lot of people will soon start complaining about joint pain and body aches. If someone already suffers from chronic pain or arthritis, the pain will flare up further,” he said.
Dr. Kattimani attributes the winter pain to changes in temperature. “When the temperature drops, our blood vessels constrict to help preserve core body heat. This reduced blood flow to muscles and bones can lead to spasms and discomfort,” he explained.
Additionally, as the body’s core temperature decreases, joint capsules expand, irritating surrounding nerves, which can further amplify pain. “This increase in joint fluid thickness can restrict movement, causing stiffness and pain,” he told South First.
Additionally, winter also encourages a more sedentary lifestyle, with many people choosing to stay indoors. This lack of activity can contribute to muscle stiffness and joint pain.
“Not wearing warm clothes to protect yourself from cold weather reduces the body’s core temperature, which in turn causes pain in muscles and joints. Exposure to sunlight is less during winter, decreasing the production of Vitamin D in our body, leading to pain in the bones,”he pointed out.
Dr Kattimani insists that people should be mindful of drinking sufficient amount of water in winter, even if one isn’t thirsty. Drinking less water causes dehydration which can result in muscle spasms and pains.
Using an Air Conditioner (AC) during winter is counter intuitive, but many use it to maintain comfort while staying indoors to balance humidity levels. Dr Kattimani cautions against it as prolonged or improper use of an AC in cold weather can also lead to body pain.
Doctors say that sudden shift from a hot outdoor environment to a cold air-conditioned room can shock your muscles and joints, causing stiffness and discomfort. Over time, this repeated exposure can lead to long-term pain, especially in sensitive areas like the back, shoulders, and neck.
It can also reduce humidity levels as it dries out the air. Prolonged exposure to such conditions can lead to dehydration which in turn affects one’s muscles and joints.
People in AC rooms are not usually mindful of how the cold air impacts our posture say experts. Drop in temperature, like when one is in an AC room, can cause muscles to contract, leading to stiffness and eventual pain.
“If you are using AC, especially while going to bed, it is ideal to set it to moderate temperature than setting it on a very low temperature. For instance, setting it at 20°C or less forces your body to overwork to maintain its core temperature. This can lead to muscle fatigue and increased sensitivity to pain,” Dr Kattimani cautioned.
If you want to keep the AC on through the night, Dr. Kattimani advises covering yourself with warm blankets to protect your body from the cold air.
By staying mindful of these simple adjustments, you can reduce the chances of winter-related body pains and keep your muscles and joints feeling better throughout the season.
(Edited by Neena)
