Chiropractor Explains How Smoking Can Lead to Back Pain
Smoking increased back pain in 1 out of 3 smokers.
At Barham Chiropractic we help countless patients relieve their back pain daily. One area that sometimes we have to have candor with our patients about is smoking.
Does smoking really cause back pain?
According to the national library of medicine “Back pain increased with increased smoking exposure; back pain was present in 23.5% of never-smokers, 33.1% of former smokers, and 36.9% of current smokers”. We have had surprising results in our office that mirror this as well. When patients reduce or quit smoking they typically experience significant pain relief.
The link between smoking and back pain
It's undeniable. Recent studies have shown that smoking can lead to a host of health issues, including back pain. While smoking isn't the only cause of back pain, it is linked to an increased risk of developing chronic and acute conditions in the spine and other joints. Let's take a look at why this happens.
What Causes Smoking-Related Back Pain?
Smoking causes multiple effects on the body that can lead to back pain. For instance, smoking is a major factor in disc degeneration, which results in lower back pain. Smoking also reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to muscles and tissues in the spine area, causing them to become weak and inflamed over time. Smoking also increases inflammation throughout the body and can contribute to increased levels of stress and anxiety. This can lead to muscle tension, causing back pain to intensify. Additionally, the carbon monoxide in cigarettes can damage the small vessels that supply blood to the spine, leading to decreased spinal health and increased pain. And finally, nicotine also constricts the blood vessels, further compounding the problem.
Will Quitting Smoking Help Back Pain?
The answer is yes! Smoking cessation has health benefits that include reduced back pain. Why? Let's dive in.
1. Smoking cessation will help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Smoking cessation is one of the most effective ways to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Quitting smoking can help improve blood circulation, reduce oxidative stress, and lower levels of certain inflammatory markers. It can also help strengthen the immune system and decrease risk of infection. Additionally, quitting smoking can lead to improved lung function, allowing the oxygen absorbed by the lungs to flow easier throughout the rest of the body. By doing so, it contributes to fewer inflammatory markers released in the bloodstream. This provides tremendous health benefits by helping fight off diseases like cancer, stroke, heart disease, and other forms of chronic illnesses. Taking positive steps towards quitting smoking can make a lasting difference in improving physical health on many levels.
2. Quitting smoking will help to reduce disc degeneration.
Giving up cigarettes can have a positive effect on your spine health by reducing the rate of disc degeneration. Smoking narrows and weakens the blood vessels in your body, resulting in reduced nutrient delivery to discs and other spinal structures. Without an adequate amount of nutrients, discs become less elastic, more brittle, and more prone to wear and tear caused by everyday activities like lifting and bending. Quitting smoking eliminates these risks and can help keep your spinal structures well-nourished, allowing you to maintain optimal spinal health.
3. Quitting smoking will help to increase the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the spine.
Smoking cessation really is one of the most important things you can do for your spine! Smoking not only introduces an array of harmful substances into your body, but it also reduces the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your spine. By quitting, you provide yourself with cleaner air and more efficient circulation in the areas close to your spine. This helps to ensure that adequate amounts of oxygen and necessary nutrients are delivered, allowing your spine to better resist damage due to movement and posture. Additionally, a more substantial supply of oxygen increases healthier movement because it boosts energy production. Quitting smoking is a great way to support spine health!
4. Smoking cessation will reduce muscle tension and anxiety levels.
Quitting smoking can do wonders for your body and mind. Not only will you feel better physically with increased energy, but quitting smoking also has benefits for one's mental health. As a direct result of quitting, muscle tension and anxiety levels are greatly reduced. With this reduction in stress that is released from the body, former smokers will notice improved breathing, an increase in oxygen in their bloodstream due to improved lung function, and an improvement overall in their mood. With fewer distractions such as reaching for a cigarette, one’s focus will be more efficient and thoughts clearer. Making the decision to quit smoking brings a bright outlook and many health benefits that cannot be obtained any other way - it truly is worth the effort!
5. Quitting smoking will improve your overall health.
Leaving cigarettes behind will not only reduce your back pain, but it will also have many other positive effects on your body. Smoking causes damage to the heart and lungs, leading to cardiovascular diseases and pulmonary issues. It is also a huge contributor to stroke risk and certain types of cancers. Quitting will decrease these risks significantly, help improve your breathing, and boost immunity – all great things for anyone who suffers from chronic pain such as back pain. In addition, smoking harms bone health which can cause additional complications in areas that already experience pain. The bottom line is that quitting will not just improve your existing condition, but it will also contribute to a healthier lifestyle overall.
The link between smoking and back pain is clear. Quitting smoking will help to reduce inflammation, disc degeneration, and muscle tension in the spine area, leading to improved spinal health and decreased back pain. At Barham Chiropractic, we understand smoking's effects on the body and back health, and we are committed to helping our patients quit smoking in order to improve overall health and well-being. If smoking has been a cause of your back pain, quitting smoking can be one of the best decisions you make!
Sacramento chiropractor offers additional tips to help relieve back pain
Quitting smoking is a great step towards relieving your back pain, but there are additional steps that can be taken to further improve your condition.
Getting adequate rest and exercise is important, so it is important to stick to a consistent sleep schedule and include physical activity in your daily routine. Additionally, engaging in regular stretching can help reduce tension in the muscles in the neck and back. Stretching should be done slowly, without over-extending yourself. Another suggestion is to use hot and cold therapy as needed. Applying a hot pack, heating pad, or cooling gel can help sufferers manage their pain in an effective and safe manner.
Paying attention to your posture while sitting or standing can also be beneficial as slouching can lead to muscular issues that worsen back pain. Finally, I recommend avoiding activities with excessive movement if possible; this includes carrying heavy weights, running, or climbing ladders. With these simple tips, you can start feeling relief from your back pain!
Resources for those looking to quit smoking
As a chiropractor, I understand the importance of taking care of one's body. Smoking has been proven to have immense negative consequences on our physical health, and so I highly recommend anyone looking to kick this habit seek out all the resources possible that can help in becoming smoke-free. There are many organizations dedicated to helping people quit smoking and they can offer personalized tailored to individual needs and preferences—such as online support groups. It is important not only to eliminate the habit of smoking but also to establish new habits as well. Utilizing multiple sources of information and support is essential for a successful journey into a healthier lifestyle that is free from tobacco use.
At Barham Chiropractic, we care about your overall health because we care about you.
Frankly, reducing or even quitting smoking can make your life better so we will ALWAYS encourage our patients to do what is best.
Clinically reviewed by Steven Barham, D.C.
— Updated on December 8, 2022
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