Poor posture, long hours at work, and excessive screen time often get blamed for neck and back pain. However, a neurosurgeon based in Michigan claims that another common habit plays a significant role in worsening spinal discomfort: smoking.
Recently, Dr Jay Jagannathan, a neurosurgeon from the Michigan Neurosurgery Institute, explained in an Instagram video why smoking can have a direct association with the spine, leading to chronic neck and back pain. Drawing from years of clinical experience in neurosurgery and pain management, he outlined just how nicotine and tobacco damage spinal health in ways most would never imagine.
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Reduced flow of blood starves the spine
Dr Jagannathan explained: "Smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, which decreases circulation to critical parts of the body, including the neck and spine.
"Smoking can enhance vascular constriction, which reduces blood flow to the neck, discs, and surrounding structures," he said.
Nicotine restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrients necessary to maintain spinal discs healthy; therefore, it may lead to disc failure over time.
Disc degeneration and loss of cushioning
The neurosurgeon also pointed out that smoking hastens the degeneration of spinal discs, which cushion vertebrae.
"When discs are damaged, their ability to absorb impact is reduced, placing additional strain on the ligaments and joints of the neck and back," he explained.
The degeneration can make simple movements painful and stiff.
Inflammation accentuates the sensitivity to pain.
Furthermore, smoking fosters the generation of bodily inflammation, to which pain is closely tied.
"Inflammation can directly lead to pain," said Dr Jagannathan, adding this also delays the natural healing process of the body.
Muscle tension or stiffness
Another lesser-known effect is increased muscle tension. Smokers often develop persistent tightness and soreness in neck and back muscles, adding to discomfort and limited mobility.
Slower post-surgical recovery
Dr Jagannathan warned that smoking itself has a big impact on one's recovery after a spinal surgery. Smokers may experience difficulties with slowing the healing process, poor results after surgery, and an increased risk of additional revision surgeries.
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Why quitting matters?
While smoking is most associated with heart disease, cancer, and lung damage, the impact on spinal health is less broadly discussed. According to Dr. Jagannathan, giving up smoking can help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation to support better long-term spine health that might help ease chronic neck and back pain.
Doctors say lifestyle factors alone, such as smoking, may be just as crucial for people who have had chronic back pain as correcting their posture or going to a physical therapist.
