Smoking slows down the healing process and favors the appearance of infections

One thing we all know is that tobacco is not good for our health, as it can cause cancer and other diseases. But what few know is that it is also harmful to the spine.

There are currently almost 9 million smokers in Spain, 31% of whom suffer from back pain. Normally, smokers do not associate smoking, that is, tobacco consumption, with back pain, but studies have shown that the pain is stronger and more intense in smokers.

This happens because nicotine reduces oxygen and nutrients for the intervertebral discs to function correctly. This facilitates the possibility of suffering vertebral fractures, osteoporosis, lumbar pain and serious physical injuries. In addition, smokers tend to have dehydrated intervertebral discs, which can lead to disc disease and herniated discs.

At the surgical level, smokers tend to suffer more risks and post-surgical complications. They are more prone to slow healing and infections. In smokers, nicotine, carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide intervene during the healing process, elements that slow down the process.

Impaired healing has health consequences. For example, less aesthetic, hypertrophic scars are formed or even hair may be lost in the area of the scar.

For these reasons, it is recommended to stop smoking before and after surgery. A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that after 4 weeks without smoking, health levels increase by 19%. This is because the blood circulation reaches all essential organs in a better way.

It is essential, both for our back and for our general wellbeing, not to contaminate the body with toxins such as tobacco, to exercise and to take care of our diet.