Smoking is often considered a risk factor for many health problems, but its relationship with musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, is rarely considered, said Dr. Neha Narula, senior spine specialist at QI Spine Clinic (India).
“You can absolutely develop chronic lower back pain if you are a smoker or regularly inhale cigarette smoke,” warns Dr. Neha Narula.
Worldwide research shows that smokers are three times more likely to suffer from chronic back pain and are also more likely to develop physical disabilities at an earlier age than non-smokers.
“Smoking reduces calcium absorption, prevents new bone growth, and slows the healing process of the spine. Coughing from smoking can also lead to increased pressure in the abdomen, which can aggravate back pain,” says Neha Narula, giving three important reasons why one should quit smoking immediately.
Reduced blood flow to the disc and disc degeneration
The discs in your spine are gel-like cushions that are 70% water. As your body mass increases, the discs dry out due to the load they bear.
Smoking will accelerate this process, creating friction between the vertebrae.
When you smoke, a plaque is formed in the arteries, narrowing them further, thereby reducing blood flow. As a result, the spinal discs become inelastic, stiff and brittle. This leads to disc degeneration, resulting in chronic back pain.
Muscle weakness and immunity
Nicotine in cigarettes stimulates the release of a chemical (dopamine), which tricks the body into reducing stress and therefore feeling good.
However, smoking impairs oxygen-rich blood flow to bones and tissues, leading to early signs of degeneration that can lead to poor bone health and slow wound healing.
It also prevents the growth of new bones and increases the risk of osteoporosis.
Changing perception of pain
Smoking changes the way you perceive pain, says Dr. Neha Narula. Nicotine affects brain activity and increases a person's response to pain.
The connection between the nucleus accumbens and the medial prefrontal cortex is altered, making a person less resilient to back pain, especially lower back pain.
In addition, smoking also weakens the normal functioning of the immune system and increases the risk of infection in the body.
