Many people who smoke tobacco and experience chronic back pain are unaware of the connection between these two factors. Quitting smoking may just be the key to dramatically reducing the discomfort you've been dealing with. 

Relevant Research

A study published in 2012 considered more than 5,300 people receiving treatment for spinal disorders. The researchers found that people who had never smoked or quit smoking had significantly less pain. Even if they didn't quit until treatment had started, they still reported lower levels of pain than patients who continued smoking. 

An extensive survey study with nearly 13,000 respondents determined that people who smoke have an increased risk of back pain, including discomfort severe enough to interfere with normal activities. The findings indicate that smokers are also at greater risk of pain in the arms and legs as well as in the neck. 

Why Smoking Affects Back Pain

• Smoking Reduces Circulation. Adequate blood flow is necessary for bringing nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body, including the bones, soft tissues and nerves in the back. Smoking disrupts blood flow, reducing the level of beneficial substances necessary for healing and for keeping tissues in good condition. 
• Smoking Reduces Calcium Absorption. Calcium is essential for healthy bones, but smoking compromises the body's ability to absorb this mineral and produce new bone. This puts people at greater risk for developing osteoporosis and other bone problems. 
• Smoking May Lead to Less Exercise Participation. Sometimes one lifestyle factor leads to another issue that creates the negative impact on health. People who smoke tend to have more problems breathing, which can lead them to exercise less often and less vigorously. That's a risk factor for lower bone density and increased back pain.

Weight-bearing activity in particular is good for maintaining bone density, but taking a long walk or going for a jog isn't appealing to people who find themselves short of breath early on.

What You Can Do Now

You likely already know the more serious consequences associated with smoking, such as lung cancer and heart disease. Whether you've tried to quit before or have not attempted this yet, you have an additional reason to break the habit now. Consult your doctor for help if you don't think you'll be able to quit without help. 

Also, you may want to consult a health care practitioner who specializes in treating back pain. You can begin therapy to reduce the discomfort and learn healthy methods to use in everyday life for decreasing and preventing back pain, such as Beltline Chiropractic.