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Smoke Can Break Your Bones
We often hear about the damage smoking does to the lungs and heart, but did you know it can also harm your bones?
According to the American Lung Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking causes over 480,000 deaths each year in the U.S. alone. It is responsible for 87% of lung cancer cases and is a leading cause of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and heart disease.
But there’s more: smoking significantly weakens your bones.
How Smoking Hurts Your Bones
Bones, like all tissues in the body, rely on healthy blood flow to receive the oxygen and nutrients necessary for strength and repair. The nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing circulation. Less blood flow means your bones receive fewer nutrients, leading to serious problems. This impaired blood flow results in:
- Slower healing after fractures or injuries
- Decreased bone density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis
- A higher risk of hip fractures, especially in older adults
Smoking and Low Back Pain
If you are a smoker dealing with chronic low back pain, smoking may be an underlying cause. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the spine, depriving spinal discs of essential nutrients. Over time, this leads to weakened and deteriorating discs, resulting in pain. Frequent coughing – a common issue for smokers – can further strain these already weakened discs.
If you are considering spinal fusion surgery, your surgeon will likely ask about your smoking habits. Why? Because nicotine damages bone-building cells and significantly slows the healing process. In fact, some surgeons may postpone or even refuse surgery until a patient stops smoking.
Quit NOW
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health – and your bones. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:
- Better bone healing after injuries or surgery
- Reduced risk of fractures
- Improved bone density
- Healthier circulation and faster wound healing
- Less risk of painful neuropathy in your hands and feet
Quitting isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Identify your personal reasons for quitting – your “why.”
- Choose a stress-free time to begin.
- Seek support from friends, family, or a professional group.
- Incorporate daily exercise to reduce stress, strengthen your bones, and boost your energy.
This is precisely where your physical and occupational therapists can assist you. We will work with you to create a customized exercise plan that supports your body and aligns with your goals. If you or someone you love is a smoker, let us help you take the first step toward a healthier life. Better bones. Less pain. A stronger you!