A new study suggests that smoking can damage the discs in your neck. They become dehydrated and shrink as they get older, and this can lead to neck pain.
The study, published online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that women who smoked more than one pack of cigarettes a day had a 20 percent higher risk of developing cervical disc disease than non-smokers.
Women who had smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day were also at increased risk, the study found.
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Will quitting smoking help back pain?
Both back pain and associated leg pain are less common in former smokers than in current smokers, so quitting smoking may alleviate back pain and may reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the future. In the present study, we examined the association between smoking and hip fracture risk in a population-based cohort of men and women aged 65 years and older.
We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2004, a nationally representative survey of the US population conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The study was approved by institutional review boards at all participating sites. The sample was stratified by sex, race/ethnicity, and smoking status. Smoking status was categorized as current, former, never, or never smoked.
Can smoking cigarettes cause back pain?
Numerous studies show a link between cigarette smoking and back pain. Smoking is also linked to a number of other health problems, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
What does it mean when you smoke and your back hurts?
Nicotine restricts the flow of important vitamins and minerals. Over time, cells degrade and break down the discs in the spine. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that can cause lower back pain in people with injuries to the spine.
In addition to DDD, nicotine can also damage the lining of the spinal canal, leading to spinal stenosis. It can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in one or both legs. In some cases, it can be life-threatening.
What causes chronic neck pain?
Depending on the cause, neck pain can last from a few days to a few years. Poor posture, tumors in the neck and neck muscles, and other conditions are common causes of osteoarthritis. If you have neck pain, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to help you find the best treatment for your condition.
Does smoking cause muscle pain?
It is harder to build muscle when you smoke. Smokers have more muscle aches and pains than non-smokers. Smokers also have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
What are nicotine withdrawals like?
Nicotine cravings are a common nicotine withdrawal symptom. Nicotine withdrawal can last for up to a week or more. It is important to tell your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms while you are trying to quit smoking: anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches and pains, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Does smoking cause body pain?
Smoking can lead to diseases that can cause chronic pain. Smoking can cause chronic back and neck pain and it can also contribute to osteoporosis. People who smoke experience more chronic pain than people who don’t smoke. Smokers are also more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems than non-smokers.
In fact, smoking is the leading cause of depression in the United States. Smoking is also linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, emphysema, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease and many other diseases.