It has been repeatedly shown that smoking cigarettes is linked to many diseases including chronic pain. Smokers report on average 3 times more pain such as in back pain than non-smokers. Studies have shown that woman who smoke are even more likely than men to develop back pain.

Smoking increases pro-inflammatory substances increases your risk of osteoporosis, decreases nutrition to the body and leads to poor circulation, all of which can cause disc damage and increase back pain.

Nicotine and carbon monoxide are just two of the many harmful substances smokers are exposed. Both of which deprive disc cells of vital nutrients and cause disc degeneration.

The road to a smoke free life may be a bumpy one, however the long term benefits make the journey worth it. There are many programs and tools to help those who want to stop smoking. However the first step is making that decision yourself to quit. Talk to your doctor today to decide the best game plan to get you to a smoke free and pain free life.

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