As the temperature skyrockets and the scorching heat surrounds us, a fascinating phenomenon emerges - a surge in individuals experiencing unexplained aches in odd parts of their bodies. Suddenly, someone's ear starts to throb, another person's shoulder aches, or a surprising pain shoots through an elbow.
Does air conditioning have any influence on aches at all?
Naturally, I become curious and ask if they've spent long periods in a car. Did they leave a window open or blast the air conditioning at full blast? Surprisingly, more often than not, the answers point to these factors as the likely culprits. Inside a vehicle, where we often become hot and sweaty, a seemingly innocent interaction between our bodies and the air conditioning unfolds.
While scientists deny any direct impact of air conditioning on our physical well-being, our own experiences of entering an icy-cold store after being overheated challenge this belief. In my practice, this summer has seen a recurring pattern of unexplained aches in the lower back, chest, joints, ears, elbows, shoulders, and beyond. While I always advise individuals to seek medical attention, I delve into their recent activities, with a particular focus on their exposure to air conditioning.
The Unusual Case of Lower Back Pain Caused by Air Conditioning:
A few days ago, a client came to me complaining of lower back pain. He mentioned that if I couldn't help, he would visit a kidney specialist, which struck me as an odd strategy. Nevertheless, I asked him numerous questions, and we discovered that the previous day, he had sat in a hot, sweaty car and cranked up the air conditioning. He recalled feeling as if an icy hand had wrapped around his waist and lingered on his back. Strangely, he had completely forgotten about this incident. We agreed that this was the most likely cause, but I still recommended that he see a doctor. The next day, he called me and said he was feeling much better, although his back still had some lingering discomfort.
The Sudden Stubborn Earache:
In another case, a customer arrived for treatment despite experiencing intense ear pain. She was a polite lady who didn't want to cancel her appointment. I wasted no time and asked her outright, "Did you drive with the car window open?" She appeared surprised and asked, "How did you know?"
Annoying Air Conditioning Unit Causing Aches:
I also recall the air conditioning unit that was installed in the massage room directly above the client's head. As soon as I started working in this otherwise excellent hotel, I noticed that cold air was blowing directly onto the client's head. Even the therapist experienced the effects of the cold air on her neck and back during cosmetic treatments. Clients frequently complained of discomfort and headaches. However, when I started turning off the air conditioning totally, the issues ceased.
What can you do on your own?
When such pain occurs, there isn't much you can do. Taking a warm bath, applying warm compresses, gentle massage, or stretching can help. It's important to drink enough water as dehydration can worsen muscle pain. Give your body time to heal naturally as needed.
My recommendations:
Time your shopping trips: Avoid going to shops during the peak heat hours. Instead, plan your visits for the morning or evening when the temperatures are cooler and more comfortable. This can help minimize exposure to extreme temperature changes.
Be mindful of your sweat levels: If you are sweaty, it's advisable to refrain from entering very cold air-conditioned places immediately. Sudden exposure to cold air can cause discomfort and potentially worsen aches. Take a moment to cool down and dry off before entering such environments.
Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that allows your body to regulate its temperature effectively. Consider carrying an extra set of clothes if you anticipate getting sweaty during outdoor activities. Changing into fresh clothes can help you feel more comfortable when entering air-conditioned areas.
Wipe down before entering: If you're feeling sweaty, consider wiping your body with a towel or using wet wipes to freshen up before entering a cold air-conditioned space. This can help reduce the sensation of sudden cold and aid in adjusting to the temperature change more comfortably.
Remember to listen to your body and take necessary precautions to minimize discomfort when transitioning between hot outdoor environments and cold air-conditioned places.
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