Smoking negatively impacts an individual’s health, as most know about its effect on the lungs. However, it can
cause chronic back pain, and affect spinal health, as well. Research has discovered that having a history of smoking,
hypertension/high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease are all risk factors for
atherosclerosis and have a significant connection with low back pain development.
Despite all the anti-smoking ads created by
The American Lung Association or American Cancer Society showing longtime smokers with
tracheotomies, oxygen tanks, etc, individuals continue to smoke.
Risks associated with smoking
- High increase for many cancers
- Increased risk for heart disease
- Injury/s, wound/s take longer to heal
- Increased risk of infection after surgery
- Aggravating pre-existing health conditions like asthma
- Chronic back pain
Chronic pain and blood vessels
Smoking can generate general body pain that can overwhelm the vascular system. These are the
blood vessels that include:
- Arteries
- Capillaries
- Veins
Smoking’s primary impact is on
blood flow and circulation. The blood becomes thick and sticky, which makes the heart have to work harder to circulate the blood. This thickening and lack of proper circulation can cause blood clots, as well as, damage
muscles, tendons, and the other spinal structures, like the discs.
Individuals that smoke have issues with healing properly from injuries/wounds, as well. This means if a disc or nerve gets injured it takes longer to heal or does not heal properly/completely.
- Smoking contributes to continued inflammation, which can increase pain
- It can interfere with prescribed medications for pain management/other conditions
- Proper absorption of minerals, nutrients, chemicals, medications, is disrupted
- Damage to the spinal discs and facet joints
The pain can come from the
neuron stimulation from the nicotine, as well as the other chemicals and toxins in the smoke itself.
Back Pain Worsened
There are spinal conditions like dried out/
desiccated discs, or osteoporosis, that could’ve been caused or worsened through smoking.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Smoking is connected to the development of this disease, also known as disc dehydration. Smoke toxins, as well as, nicotine contributes to dehydrated discs and the
cellular damage done to the vascular system.
Osteoporosis
It is associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis/thin bones, which can lead to an increased risk for spinal fractures.
Fibromyalgia
Individuals that smoke and have
fibromyalgia report intensified symptoms, quality of life is worse, and an increase in anxiety compared to non-smokers with fibromyalgia.
Spinal Fusion
Smoking can delay or prevent proper healing/fusion when trying to permanently connect the vertebrae. The negative impacts can lead to worse surgical outcomes.
Sleep and Mood
It can also negatively influence mood and sleep quality. It is a vicious cycle for individuals that are
depressed, have pain, or anxiety.
Because of the tendency to smoke more in order to cope. However, this is very unhealthy and only
leads to worse pain and other health issues.
Quitting
It can absolutely be done with the right resources. Various therapies can help an individual to quit smoking.
- Medications
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Hypnosis
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic for spinal alignment and blood circulation
Quitting
improves an individual’s lifespan, quality of life, reduces the chances of chronic disease, and alleviates pain. Talk with a primary care physician about a treatment plan that can include
nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and support.
Depression and Chronic Pain
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Green, Bart N, et al. “Association Between Smoking and Back Pain in a Cross-Section of Adult Americans.”
Cureus vol. 8,9 e806. 26 Sep. 2016, doi:10.7759/cureus.806
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Smoking Destroys The Spine and Can Cause Chronic Back Pain" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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Dr. Alex JimenezSpecialties: Stopping the PAIN! We Specialize in Treating Severe Sciatica, Neck-Back Pain, Whiplash, Headaches, Knee Injuries, Sports Injuries, Dizziness, Poor Sleep, Arthritis. We use advanced proven therapies focused on optimal Mobility, Posture Control, Deep Health Instruction, Integrative & Functional Medicine, Functional Fitness, Chronic Degenerative Disorder Treatment Protocols, and Structural Conditioning. We also integrate Wellness Nutrition, Wellness Detoxification Protocols and Functional Medicine for chronic musculoskeletal disorders. We use effective "Patient Focused Diet Plans", Specialized Chiropractic Techniques, Mobility-Agility Training, Cross-Fit Protocols, and the Premier "PUSH Functional Fitness System" to treat patients suffering from various injuries and health problems. Ultimately, I am here to serve my patients and community as a Chiropractor passionately restoring functional life and facilitating living through increased mobility. Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, functional strength training, functional medicine, and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries. We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional & Integrative Nutrition, Agility & Mobility Fitness Training and Cross-Fit Rehabilitation Systems for all ages. As an extension to dynamic rehabilitation, we too offer our patients, disabled veterans, athletes, young and elder a diverse portfolio of strength equipment, high-performance exercises and advanced agility treatment options. We have teamed up with the cities' premier doctors, therapist and trainers in order to provide high-level competitive athletes the options to push themselves to their highest abilities within our facilities. We've been blessed to use our methods with thousands of El Pasoans over the last 3 decades allowing us to restore our patients' health and fitness while implementing researched non-surgical methods and functional wellness programs. Our programs are natural and use the body's ability to achieve specific measured goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, un-wanted surgeries, or addictive drugs. We want you to live a functional life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain. Our goal is to ultimately empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living. With a bit of work, we can achieve optimal health together, no matter the age, ability or disability.