If you’re a smoker, you’re probably accustomed to people telling you that you should kick the habit. Your doctor wants you to stop for the sake of your lungs, your dentist wants you to stop for the sake of your teeth, your beautician wants you to stop for the sake of your skin, and so on. Tough as it may be to hear, you can add our Edmonds chiropractor to this list.
Surprising as it may be, the effects of smoking manage to reach your spine. The smoke from cigarettes and other smokables contains toxins that get into your blood and spread all throughout your body, inhibiting your tissues’ ability to absorb the nutrients they need. This includes your spinal discs, which explains why smokers are at a higher risk of developing a herniated disc.
At the same time, smokers suffer from a higher sensitivity to pain. Back problems are debilitating enough for a non-smoker, and the issue becomes all the more severe when coupled with a nasty smoking habit. Talk to your doctor for ways to help you quit smoking, and consult your chiropractor for more information on how to keep your back healthy.