Smoking is bad for you. That is not new information. Advertisements, commercials, and campaigns are swirling around the Internet and social media informing people about the causes of inhaling cigarette smoke. Smoking is definitely linked to increased risk of cancer, but not many people know that smoking will also increase your risk of developing chronic pain.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, our treatments do not only improve patients’ chronic pain conditions, but their entire lifestyles as well. St. George, Richfield, Cedar City, and Logan are home to Southwest Spine and Pain locations, giving suffering patients better access to our care. One of the first suggestions to kicking chronic pain is kicking smoking in the butt.
People who smoke are more likely to:
- Report chronic pain
- Have higher pain intensity levels
- Have worse injuries
One study examining chronic pain and smoking looked at twins in which one smoked and the other did not. The twin who smoked had a higher risk of low back pain in the future than the twin that did not smoke. According to Everyday Health, 50 percent of people seeking medical attention for chronic pain are smokers.
Every patient is different, and to tell you that there is one best way to quit smoking would be wrong. Some people can find peace in quitting smoking cold turkey, while others need medical assistance, such as the patch, to help them quit. Whichever way you do it will tremendously aid in your pain relief journey. If you are a smoker and live with chronic pain, consider these suggestions:
- Pick a day to quit and stick to it, no excuses!
- Ask your friends and family for help and motivation
- Prepare yourself for the day you picked to quit
- Consider using nicotine replacement products such as gum and patches
- Joint a support group
It is never too late to quit! There should be no excuses to carry on the unhealthy lifestyle. You will feel better than ever once you quit smoking and get past the small time of withdrawal. With a little support from your peers and motivation from your Southwest Spine and Pain physician, your chronic pain management will be more effective than ever!
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2014
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