This information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your physician or make an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition. Exención de responsabilidad en Español | Complete disclaimer
Smoking and Back Pain
UM Health System Related Link: The Spine Program
Did you know?
Fact: Smokers are up to 2.7 times more likely to develop low back pain compared to non-smokers
Fact: Smokers are more likely to develop low back pain as they get older
Fact: Women smokers are more likely to develop low back pain than men who smoke
Fact: Smoking is also blamed for the decay of spinal disks
Smoking and its effect on back nutrition
Smoking causes decreased nutrition to the tissues of the back largely
because of the carbon monoxide that cigarette smoke contains. In large
amounts, carbon monoxide is a very poisonous substance. It is also a
very dangerous chemical in the form of cigarette smoke. Carbon
monoxide causes problems when it sticks to the hemoglobin (the oxygen
carrying part of the blood), thus decreasing the amount of oxygen to the
muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons of the back. Oxygen is an essential nutrient in the healing process of the tissues of the back and must be present in order to achieve a full recovery.
Smokers also expose themselves to nicotine found in cigarettes. Nicotine is known to cause thickening of the walls of the blood vessels. This thickening contributes to restricted blood flow through the large and small blood vessels of the lower back and increases the amount of time for healing and recovery if you have a back injury.
Smoking and your spine
Discs do not have a direct blood supply and depend upon the movement of the body to push oxygen and nutrients to them. So stay active!
If discs do not get their needed nutrients, they can eventually develop cracks which can eventually lead to ruptures.
Because of the decreased nutrition and blood supply to all parts of the body, smokers have a greater than average risk of fracturing their hips, wrist and spine.
Our recommendation: Stop Smoking
Even veteran smokers have shown a marked decrease in back pain and further disc damage after quitting.
Cutting down on smoking can also decrease the chance of developing back problems and can restore good blow flow.
After only 48 hours of not smoking, nerve endings of the back will start to re-grow with the increased blood flow.
UMHS Spine Program Faculty and Staff, August 2007
