Smoking Leads to Back Pain and Degenerative Disc Disease
Posted by Danny Goldberg on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 @ 02:33 PM
Obviously by now we all know that cigarette smoking is harmful to our lungs, hearts and sharply increases the risk of cancer. Billions of dollars have been spent in an effort to educate the 46 million smokers in America as to health risks associated with smoking. Yet, tobacco still remains as the leading cause of death, disease and disability in the US. However, what many do not know is that smoking also contributes to back and neck pain. Research suggests that smokers have a 3-4 times higher risk of developing degenerative disc disease and that smoking can exacerbate pre-existing disc degeneration.
For years researchers and scientists have studied the link between cigarette smoking and the increased incidence of back pain, neck pain and degenerative disc disease. One study even tracked participants for 53 years and finally, the link has been deciphered. The active (and poisonous) ingredients in cigarette smoke have an adverse metabolic metabolic effect on the cells and the structure of the human body.
First and foremost, cigarettes introduce extremely high levels of carbon monoxide into both the blood stream and the body's cells. Blood and cells carry nutirients throughout the body into organs, bones and tissues. These nutirents are essental to the functioning of the structure. Carbon monoxide has dehydrative properties and inhibits the body's cells to absorb fluids and nutrients necessary for healthy cell function and reproduction. When these cells become damaged or compromised, it can lead to degeneration of that particular structure. Also, these cells are less likely to reproduce, thus not allowing these damaged areas to heal and regenerate.
In addition, nicotine also deprives the cells of the vital nutrients they contain causing them to
be weakened. This dehydration is clinically referred to as "ischemia" and is characterized by a reduced oxygenation of certain cells, enacting painful symptoms, such as tingling, numbness and weakness, as well as severe muscle spasms. Furthermore, smoking expedites the onset of osteoporosis (the weakening and degeneration of bones). Osteoporosis causes bones to lose density and strength and may make them instable. Instability in the spine is a leading cause of both localized and radicular pain throughout the extremities and joints.
In the instance of the spine, this leads to the spaces between the discs to become dehydrated and weakened. Much like the cells themselves, the interverterbral spaces must remain hydrated and healthy so that they may perform optimally and absorb the natural strains put on them by the body. Once these discs are degenerated it can lead to a decrease in disc height, spondylosis, stenosis, disc herniations and nerve impingements.
For many, smoking is very cathartic and provides a temporary stress reliever. However, the long term effects of smoking are much more stressful and far outweigh the temporary satisfaction garnered from a cigarette. Those suffering from bronchial conditions, chronic pain or cancer complications can tell you the constant pain and diminishing health are more stressful than anything we have yet imagined.
For those looking to quit, there are countless resources to help you including, smokers quit lines, group support, patches, gums and prescriptions. Whatever your method for qutting may be, there is a resource to help you. Although it may be difficult, it is far from impossible. Millions of people quit every year when they realize the detrement to their body, both physically and in terms of general health.
If you are suffering from chronic pain, neck pain or back pain, regardless if you are a smoker or not, please contact New Jersey Spine and Rehabilitation. At NJSR we are pioneers in Interventional Pain Management and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. Our doctors are experts in both diagnosing and treating a variety of spinal conditions and are internationally recognized as the leading authorities in spine health. Please contact us today if you are suffering from pain or spine related conditions.