Smoking cigarettes has many negative effects on the body, including the lungs and cardiovascular system. However, most people don’t realize that this habit also causes spine damage and back pain. If you’re a smoker, here’s what you need to know. 

How Does Smoking Negatively Impact Your Spine?

Smoking cigarettes has been shown to cause multiple adverse effects on spine health. Bone density can decrease when you smoke, increasing your risk of developing osteoporosis. This condition weakens bones and makes them more likely to fracture.

Smoking can also cause significant neck and back pain, along with weakness and cramping in your legs. Additionally, it impairs your blood flow, causing headaches and depriving spinal tissues of the nutrients and oxygen they need.

When your cardiovascular system is damaged from smoking, your physical activity may decrease. Since staying active is vital to spine health, reducing mobility will have negative impacts on your spine.

Finally, smoking can complicate healing and recovery; smokers take longer to heal post-surgery compared to non-smokers.

How Can You Quit?

Once you make the decision to quit, it’s important to create a plan to help you overcome the challenges of withdrawal. Set a quit date, and prepare yourself beforehand by telling friends, loved ones, or co-workers about your decision. They will help you with accountability and encourage you on your journey.

Stock up on supplies that will help you overcome the oral fixation of cigarettes, such as hard candy, crunchy vegetables, or gum. Decide if you are going to use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), like inhalers, patches, or lozenges.

Consider additional support and stress management techniques, such as counseling or support groups, and avoid high-risk situations that trigger the urge to use. Alternative methods, such as chiropractic adjustments, will provide stress management and reduce back pain. 

For over 32 years, the chiropractors at Stroud Chiropractic Clinic have been helping smokers in Archdale, NC, to safely manage their back pain and quit cigarettes. They offer a range of treatments to help you quit, including cold laser therapy, spinal adjustments, and spinal decompression. Visit their website or call (336) 434-2107 to start your journey of healing today.