Lower back pain is increasing across Japan this summer due to prolonged air conditioner use and dehydration, according to medical experts [1, 2].
This trend poses a significant economic and professional threat, as a large portion of the workforce suffers from mobility issues and chronic pain during the hottest months of the year.
Approximately 83% of Japanese people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives [1]. The impact on the workforce is severe, with one in four people reporting that the pain interferes with their work [1]. These health issues translate into a substantial financial burden, with annual economic losses estimated at approximately 65 million yen per 1,000 people [1]. Based on a labor population of roughly 68 million, the total estimated annual loss exceeds 4 trillion yen [1].
Dr. Hiroshi Matsudaira, director of the Tailor Made Back Clinic, said that summer-specific triggers are often overlooked. Prolonged exposure to air-conditioned rooms causes muscles to stiffen and impairs blood circulation, which leads to pain [1]. This is often compounded by the loss of water and salt through sweat, as well as maintaining a single posture for extended periods, which can trigger muscle spasms [2].
To combat these effects, health experts suggest simple interventions. One recommended approach is a brief exercise lasting only three seconds per session to alleviate stiffness [2].
Junna Yamagata of TBS NEWS DIG said, "Life-long experience with lower back pain affects 83% of people, meaning more than 80% of the population suffers from this issue" [1]. She also said that the economic impact is stark, stating that one in four people see their work hindered by the condition [1].
“Life-long experience with lower back pain affects 83% of people”
The intersection of climate control and physical health highlights a growing public health challenge in Japan. As extreme summer heat makes air conditioning essential, the resulting muscle rigidity and circulatory issues create a paradoxical health crisis that significantly impacts national productivity and economic output.
