The Relationship Between Smoking and Chronic Low Back Pain
Millions of people smoke, and millions of people have chronic low back pain. While we know this, many people need to give more consideration to the two issues being linked together. That is until researchers start to wonder if there is a link between the two and then carry out studies to put it to the test. Research studies have been conducted to determine if the two are connected, and the conclusions of these studies may or may not be surprising to some people.
A new study published in the October 2024 issue of the journal Acta Ortopedica Brasileira reports the findings of its research on whether or not smoking is connected to Modic changes in those who have chronic low back pain (1). Modic changes are structural changes in the spine, and they are commonly associated with degenerative disc disease. They can lead to instability and chronic low back pain.
The researchers conducted an observational study that included 68 patients and 340 vertebral segments. Participants, who were 54% female and 46% male, were assessed for their modic changes and degree of smoking history, including how much they smoked and for how many years. The average number of years that participants smoked was almost 14. The groups were separated between those with modic changes and those without.
Their observational case-controlled study was carried out at a hospital. After the initial interview, each patient was provided with an MRI and evaluated by two orthopedists familiar with spine disorders who were blind to the initial interview. Each participant has their lumbar spine analyzed individually.
The researchers conclude that there is an increased risk for modic changes among those who are smokers. There is an 18% more disc degeneration among those who smoke, and smokers have a higher chance of experiencing modic changes. This is important information, as it supports the idea that smoking can have such an impact. Those who work with people who smoke or have chronic low back pain can utilize this information to help inform their clients of the potential risks and correlation.
There has been additional research regarding the connection between smoking and chronic low back pain. A study published in the March 2023 issue of the International Journal of Public Health reported on the findings of a study conducted with 54 people who have chronic low back pain, and the people were divided into smoking and non-smoking groups (2). They conclude from the study that there is a correlation between the amount of cigarettes smoked daily and the degree of impact of low back pain and that smoking affected the aggravation of symptoms, including pain, anxiety, depression, fear, and quality of life, in patients with chronic low back pain.
Sources:
1. Acta Ortopedica Brasileira. Smoking and Modic Changes in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain. October 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39493959/
2. International Journal of Public Health. Association Between Smoking and Pain, Functional Disability, Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain. March 2023.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10027735/
