Are you a smoker who's been saddled with regular aches and pains, especially in the lower back, neck or joints? While we all suffer from occasional discomforts like these, a few recent studies have indicated that the trend is significantly greater among smokers.
Smokers more likely to experience musculoskeletal pains
According to the health experts at NewsWise.com, a new study found in the Journal of Pain, which is published by the American Pain Society, has found a link between cigarette smokers and chronic musculoskeletal pain. In the study, a group of researchers from the University of Kentucky School of Public Health surveyed more than 6,000 women, attempting to understand the ties between these kinds of persistent pains and the smoking of tobacco cigarettes.
The National Institutes of Health regards musculoskeletal pain as any discomfort involving the cartilage, ligaments, tendons, discs or other soft tissues holding the skeleton together, as well as - of course - the skeleton itself. Issues such as arthritis, back pain, joint pain and osteoporosis all fall under the category of musculoskeletal conditions. And the Journal of Pain's new study seems to indicate that these could have ties to smoking tobacco products.
Previous consensus, reports NewsWise, has long been that there is a tie between bodily pain and discomfort and smoking. However, in seeking to directly address this question, the journal's study helped solidify the evidence.
The women surveyed were categorized by age and smoking status (determined based on daily cigarette use). They were then asked about various pain symptoms and whether they'd been diagnosed with any musculoskeletal pain disorders. Specifically, the source reports, disorders such as low-back pain, neck pain, sciatica, nerve pain, fibromyalgia, joint pain and general pain were either noted to be present or absent.
The study's conclusions showed that smokers were "significantly more likely to report chronic pain than nonsmokers," according to the source. Those smoking on a daily basis were twice as likely to report pain than non-smokers. Pack-a-day or more smokers also reported strong chronic pain.
The study's authors noted at least one potential reason for the discomfort the smokers were experiencing. One note was that smoking can induce intense coughing fits, which in turn increase abdominal pressure and can lead to back pain.
How to kick your habit
Giving up tobacco products isn't easy. All across the United States, smokers are attempting to leave cigarettes behind. One excellent way to make this huge life change is to make the switch to electronic cigarettes. Among their many benefits over tobacco products, electronic cigarettes are smokeless and won't fill your lungs with tar or carcinogenic smoke. This means you won't need to worry about coughing up a storm and increasing your discomfort. With vapor electronic cigarettes, you also don't need to worry about secondhand smoke, meaning you can take your e-cig with you wherever you like without suffering the social stigma of being a smoker. And while one of the benefits of e-cigarette brands are that they give you a tobacco-free nicotine fix, there are also nicotine free electronic cigarettes for those interested.
The benefits of these products are endless, but one of the best is surely saying goodbye to chronic pain. Whether it's low-back discomfort or joint problems, dropping cigarettes can help you stay happier and feeling great. Consider how an electronic cigarette like Revolver's powerful Magnum Volt can help you beat your habit.















