How Smoking Interferes With Pain Management

Although a great majority of people have long ago dropped the smoking habit, the fact is many are still unable to quit. As we do all we can to help ourselves attain joint pain relief, I believe it important to continue bringing up information on this topic to assist those still battling the addiction.

Despite the fact that studies show smoking may well interfere with pain management, people who live with chronic pain actually smoke more than others who do not suffer such pain. Apparently, smoking may actually be a method by which some people adapt to manage their pain.Studies have shown an increase in smoking often accompanies an increase in pain. Approximately 22 percent of people in the U.S. still smoke and more than one-half of patients seeking treatment for pain management are smokers. The same studies show that people who have experienced back or neck pain throughout their lives are more likely to smoke. It is quite likely that smoking interferes with the management of pain. It has been shown that smokers are less responsive to treatments such as joint pain relief therapies. Ironically, many may find themselves smoking more to cope with pain.

Experts have found that smoking can interfere with pain management in the following ways:

Smoking can actually cause or exacerbate a painful medical condition. Smoking itself is very harmful to the body and can cause diseases that can lead to chronic pain even arthritis. Also, back and neck pain from osteoporosis, deterioration of spinal discs, all shown to be side effects of smoking.

Chronic smoking has been shown to increase sensitivity to the perception of pain. Studies have also shown that smoking reduces the effectiveness of pain medications. This is true with regular analgesics like aspirin as well as narcotics. It follows from the above that the cessation of smoking can dramatically benefit pain treatment.

The following is a list of tips to help one quit smoking, and finally set you on the road to joint pain relief:

• You should designate a specific date upon which you will quit. It is best to choose a day that’s not too soon or too distant.
• Be sure to ask family and friends for their moral support.
• The more people you inform of your plans the likelier it is you will be able to perform.
• Get prepared for your quit day. Find and dispose of all tobacco products and smoking paraphernalia. Dispose of ashtrays, matches, lighters, etc. Identify all day-to-day activities that trigger cravings.
• Find and join a support group. Strength in numbers can be very beneficial, and there are plenty of other people trying to kick the habit.
• Discuss with your doctor which nicotine replacement products are most effective and don’t hesitate to use them.
• Finally, understanding how smoking can adversely affect chronic pain can provide extra motivation to quit smoking permanently.

Did you find this article interesting or helpful? Please let me know! Leave your comment, or suggestion below. I am interested in bringing only valuable information to you, this is how you can help me. Thanks.

- Eric

The greatest wealth is health.

-Virgil

photo by: jphilipg

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