Smoking could be the cause of your back pain.
Most people are aware smoking can cause a large number of health issues, but can it actually cause back pain? It may seem unlikely; however, studies have shown there may be some correlation between smoking and certain types of back pain. While seeing a Bronxville chiropractor may be able to help with this pain, it’s also important to understand the potential implications of continuing to smoke.
A chiropractor can help you reverse the effects of smoking.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is often associated with psoriasis, a condition that affects the skin due to compromises to the immune system. This type of arthritis often affects the back, which can lead to back pain that requires chiropractic treatment. In fact, smokers are more than one and a half times more likely to develop this condition over time. Women who smoked for more than 25 years were at the highest risk. The reason for this increased risk is due to oxidative stress, which can negatively impact the immune system and can cause inflammation.
Decreased Blood Supply
One of the issues with smoking is its contribution to atherosclerosis, or the narrowing of the arteries. Plaque buildup can result in less oxygenated blood getting to injured areas, which can increase the back pain smokers experience and slow down the healing process. Even with chiropractic treatment in Bronxville, you may still have difficulty overcoming your back pain.
Chiropractic treatment can help you eliminate back pain caused by smoking.
Structural Lesions
Some studies have revealed individuals who smoke, particularly those who are heavy smokers, are more likely to experience structural lesions on their spine and sacral joints. These lesions often contribute to back pain. In addition, this problem contributes to higher instances of disease, reduced function and a poor quality of life. Inflammation often becomes a regular occurrence, contributing to more time missed from work and other functions.
Smokers may think they only have to worry about respiratory diseases and heart conditions, but smoking can cause so much more damage to the body. In fact, smoking can increase your risk of back pain and conditions that contribute to this type of pain. Seeing a Bronxville chiropractor can provide you with some relief, but it’s often best to stop smoking before any real damage is done.
If you suffer from back pain in Westchester County, NY, and are looking for help, contact us. Our chiropractors can help you get the relief you’re looking for.
