For many years the link between smoking and low back pain was considered unclear. It was felt that smoking was not a risk factor for low back pain but many researchers were not convinced and suggested that smoking is a risk factor for many types of health problems. Smoking is a risk factor for many things including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease and it has also been associated with causing emphysema, lung cancer and certain types of cancers. There is no doubt that smoking causes these diseases and many other health problems including poor dental health and respiratory problems.
Smoking causes the blood to thin which reduces the blood supply to the discs surrounding the vertebrae. This causes the discs to lose their liquid content which can lead to swelling and pain. The reduced blood supply to the discs makes it harder for the discs to get oxygen and nutrients and so they begin to harden and become weaker. As a result the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves is increased and the pain can worsen.
It is generally agreed that smoking is a risk factor for certain forms of cancer. It also makes the pain from the problems increase as the smoker ages. There are many different effects smoking can have on your body and the long term effects are well documented. One of the effects that most people do not realize is that smoking can cause the onset of certain types of cancer. The two main types are lung cancer and mouth cancer, which can both begin in smokers and if you are a smoker the odds are that you will also suffer from other diseases from smoking.
There are other complications that are caused by smoking. In women the risk of developing osteoporosis increases dramatically with smoking. Men who smoke are also at increased risk of prostate cancer and increased risk of mouth cancer. Both men and women are also at increased risk of stroke, which is a very common cause of lower back pain. Smokers are also more likely to develop gum disease and cavities than non-smokers.
Overall it is known that smoking is a risk factor for certain forms of cancer. Of course, the complications caused by smoking are much more severe than the risk itself. The complications can range from the serious to the life threatening and include heart attack, stroke, lung cancer, and more. Smoking has been shown to be one of the risk factors that you cannot control and that you should avoid.
If you are looking for a solution for your lower back pain then look no further than stopping smoking. The risk factor is too great and the health risks are just not worth it. You can go online to find a smoking risk free information site where you can find resources that will help you quit smoking today.
