Study Shows Smokers Have Higher Risk for Back Pain

Study Shows Smokers Have Higher Risk for Back Pain

A study performed by Northwestern Medicine found that smokers are more likely to develop chronic back pain than nonsmokers. The study consisted of 160 patients experiencing new back pain. Five times throughout the year, they were given an MRI brain scan and asked to rate their level of pain. The MRI showed a link within two areas of the brain which are involved with addiction and pain and are critical in development of chronic pain. The connection between the two areas was significantly stronger among smokers than nonsmokers. Quitting smoking will decrease your chances of developing longstanding back pain.

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