New Study Links Smoking to Increased Back Pain Risk — Dr. Jordan Sudberg Explains the Connection
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention, affecting nearly 80% of adults at some point in their lives. While most associate back pain with poor posture, injuries, or aging, new research reveals a less obvious but significant contributor: smoking. A recent study highlights that smokers are at a substantially higher risk of developing chronic back pain than non-smokers. To better understand this connection, we turn to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a leading pain management specialist, for insight.
The Surprising Link Between Smoking and Back Pain
Though smoking is widely known for its role in heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory issues, its relationship with musculoskeletal pain—particularly back pain—is gaining increased attention.
According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, this isn’t a coincidence. “Many people don’t realize that smoking impacts more than just the lungs,” he explains. “It reduces blood flow, impairs tissue healing, and contributes to systemic inflammation—all of which can worsen or even cause back pain.”
Recent studies have shown that smokers are more likely to report chronic low back pain than non-smokers. One large-scale research project, published in a leading spine journal, found that smokers were nearly three times more likely to develop chronic back pain over time. This association persisted even after adjusting for factors like age, body weight, and physical activity levels.
How Smoking Affects the Spine
The spine relies on a healthy blood supply to maintain strong, flexible discs and vertebrae. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals like nicotine and carbon monoxide, which restrict blood flow and reduce the oxygen and nutrients reaching spinal tissues.
Dr. Sudberg elaborates, “Nicotine decreases the ability of discs to absorb nutrients and water. This accelerates disc degeneration and makes the spine more vulnerable to injury and wear-and-tear.”
He also points out that smoking affects the healing process after spinal surgeries or injuries. “Smokers typically heal more slowly and report more post-surgical pain. The body is simply less efficient at repairing itself in a smoking environment,” says Dr. Sudberg.
Inflammation and Pain Sensitivity
Another key factor that links smoking and back pain is inflammation. Smoking promotes chronic inflammation throughout the body, which not only contributes to atherosclerosis and joint damage but also increases pain sensitivity.
“Inflammation plays a huge role in pain perception,” Dr. Sudberg explains. “When the body is in a constant state of low-grade inflammation, it’s more reactive to pain signals. That’s part of why smokers may experience more intense or persistent pain.”
Moreover, smoking has been shown to interfere with the brain’s natural pain-regulating mechanisms, making it harder for the body to cope with chronic discomfort.
Mental Health, Smoking, and Pain
There’s also a psychological component to consider. Many smokers use nicotine to cope with stress or anxiety, which are also known risk factors for chronic pain. This creates a vicious cycle: pain increases stress, which fuels smoking, which then worsens the pain.
Dr. Sudberg emphasizes the importance of treating chronic pain from a holistic perspective. “We can’t just focus on the physical side of back pain,” he says. “Mental health, lifestyle choices, and coping mechanisms all play a role. Addressing smoking is often part of a broader pain management strategy.”
What Can Smokers Do?
The good news is that quitting smoking can have a meaningful impact—not just on heart and lung health, but on pain levels too.
Dr. Sudberg recommends the following steps for those dealing with back pain and looking to reduce their risk:
- Quit smoking: Even gradual reduction can improve circulation and inflammation.
- Exercise regularly: Gentle movement strengthens the back and releases natural pain-relieving endorphins.
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s can reduce inflammation.
- Seek professional help: Pain specialists like Dr. Sudberg can offer treatments such as physical therapy, regenerative medicine, and spinal interventions tailored to the individual.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Jordan Sudberg
“Smoking is one of the most modifiable risk factors for back pain,” says Dr. Sudberg. “While you can’t change your age or genetic makeup, you can control whether or not you smoke. For many of my patients, quitting smoking has made a dramatic difference in their pain levels and overall quality of life.”
With back pain on the rise, understanding the broader lifestyle factors contributing to it is crucial. And as Dr. Jordan Sudberg reminds us, the first step to healing your back might just start with putting out that last cigarette.
