In 2016, more than 15 of every 100 U.S. adults aged 18 years or older (15.5%) currently smoked cigarettes. This means an estimated 37.8 million adults in the United States currently smoke cigarettes. More than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease.

Smokers are as much as 2.7 times more likely to experience lower back pain than those who don’t smoke.

 Smokers lose bone density at a faster rate than non-smokers which puts them at risk for breaking bones. Smoking also contributes to the joint pain found in conditions like arthritis. Studies have found that smoking causes people to perceive pain more acutely, which may why smokers are more likely to experience lower back pain. 

 In many cases smokers are thinner than nonsmokers, tend to drink more alcohol, may be less physically active, and have poor diets. Women who smoke also tend to have an earlier menopause than nonsmokers. These factors place many smokers at an increased risk for osteoporosis apart from their tobacco use.

Nicotine Effects

Nicotine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in tobacco plants.
It has an effect on the neuromuscular system because it binds to receptors. Nicotine affects the skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles, which can result in acute and chronic muscular dysfunctions such as a decrease in appetite, paralysis and asphyxiation.

Nicotine travels through the bloodstream and reaches the brain within 10 to 19 seconds and acts on nicotinic receptors in the brain and muscles. According to Elmhurst College, nicotine causes muscle twitching and muscle weakness by pulling calcium out of bones and muscles.

Nicotine also acts on nicotinic receptors in the respiratory muscles causing paralysis as well as vasodilation in the skeletal muscles. 

Chiropractic Care

A chiropractor can help you get start a healthier lifestyle. Most chiropractors carry vitamins in their office and smokers need vitamin C, calcium, and vitamin E supplementation, due to nicotine pulling it out of their body. 

Chiropractic adjustments can help to reduce the stress effects on your body, which can help you skip that cigarette.  Acupuncture can also be effective in helping you quit smoking. 

Along with adjustments, vitamins and helping quit smoking, chiropractors can look at your diet and see what needs to be changed. Many times when smokers quit smoking, they tend to gain weight. This is due to the poor eating habits and the fact they eat instead of having a cigarette. 

If you would like to start 2019 with a healthier lifestyle, start with chiropractic! Your spine, nervous and muscular systems will thank you! 

~Dr. Lacey~
Carder Chiropractic Clinic, INC.
El Reno, OK 73036