How does smoking affect back pain. What are the long-term consequences of smoking on spinal health. Can quitting smoking alleviate back pain symptoms. What is the link between smoking and degenerative disc disease. How does nicotine impact the spine’s blood flow. Why do smokers experience slower healing after spine injuries. What are the risks of smoking before spinal fusion surgery.

The Surprising Link Between Smoking and Back Pain

While many are aware of the well-documented risks of smoking, such as increased cancer and heart disease risk, fewer people realize the significant impact it can have on back health. Recent research has uncovered a strong association between smoking and various forms of back pain, adding yet another compelling reason to quit this harmful habit.

Dr. Ofer M. Zikel, director of Neurological and Spinal Surgery at Wisconsin’s Aurora Medical Center Kenosha, emphasizes: “Many people know that smoking cigarettes can cause lung cancer or heart disease, but most people are not aware that smoking is also bad for your back. In my opinion, which is shared by many others, smoking greatly contributes to the incidence and severity of low back pain in the community.”

How Smoking Affects Your Spine: A Closer Look

Smoking’s impact on back health is multifaceted, affecting various aspects of spinal function and integrity. Here are some key ways smoking can wreak havoc on your back:

• Impaired blood flow and circulation
• Increased inflammation throughout the body
• Slower healing of injuries
• Damage to spinal structures, including discs and muscles
• Interference with pain medication effectiveness

Dr. Ai Mukai, a physiatrist at Texas Orthopedics, Sports and Rehabilitation Associates, explains: “Primarily, smoking has a bad impact on blood flow and circulation. This can damage muscles and tendons as well as the other spinal structures, such as the disc.”

The Science Behind Smoking-Related Back Pain

Understanding the mechanisms by which smoking contributes to back pain is crucial for both prevention and treatment. Several theories have been proposed to explain this connection:

1. Neuroexcitatory effects of nicotine
2. Harmful impact of toxins on spinal discs and facet joints
3. Cellular damage caused by smoke-borne chemicals
4. Decreased nutrient supply to spinal tissues due to reduced blood flow

Dr. Zikel elaborates: “There are several theories on this, including the neuroexcitatory role of nicotine, as well as the harmful effects of many of the other chemicals and toxins in smoke damaging the spinal discs and facets, or the joints of the spine.”

Smoking and Degenerative Disc Disease

One of the most significant ways smoking affects back health is through its contribution to degenerative disc disease. This condition, characterized by the breakdown of spinal discs, can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.

Dr. Zikel notes: “Smoking is linked to the development of degenerative disc disease, otherwise known as disc dehydration among other terms. This is likely due to the effects of nicotine on the vascular system as well as the cellular damage caused by smoke toxins.”

Smoking’s Impact on Bone Health and Fracture Risk

Beyond its effects on soft tissues, smoking also poses a significant threat to bone health, particularly in the spine. This can lead to increased risk of fractures and other skeletal issues.

Dr. Mukai warns: “Smoking is also associated with higher risk of osteoporosis, or thin bones, and this can lead to increased risk of spine fractures.”

Smoking and Osteoporosis: A Dangerous Combination

Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by low bone density and increased fracture risk, is exacerbated by smoking. This relationship is particularly concerning for spinal health, as vertebral fractures can lead to severe pain and disability.

Can quitting smoking reverse the effects of osteoporosis? While quitting smoking can’t completely reverse existing bone loss, it can slow the progression of osteoporosis and reduce the risk of future fractures. Additionally, smoking cessation allows for better absorption of calcium and other nutrients essential for bone health.

Smoking and Chronic Pain Conditions

Smoking’s negative impact extends beyond the spine, affecting various chronic pain conditions. One such condition is fibromyalgia, a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain.

A Mayo Clinic study found that smokers with fibromyalgia reported increased symptom severity, worse quality of life, and higher levels of anxiety compared to non-smokers with the same condition. This suggests that smoking may exacerbate the symptoms of chronic pain disorders, making management more challenging.

The Vicious Cycle of Pain, Mood, and Smoking

Dr. Mukai highlights the complex interplay between smoking, pain, and mental health: “Smoking has a negative association with three factors—mood, sleep, and pain. It’s a negative, vicious cycle, since people who are depressed, have pain, or experience anxiety tend to smoke more to cope in an unhealthy way, which then leads to worse pain and health.”

This cycle can be particularly detrimental, as it not only worsens existing pain but can also impact treatment outcomes. Dr. Mukai adds that depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders have been found to have a negative impact on spine surgery outcomes.

Smoking and Spinal Surgery: A Risky Combination

For those with severe back issues requiring surgical intervention, smoking poses additional risks. Spinal fusion, a procedure that permanently connects two or more vertebrae, is particularly affected by smoking habits.

Dr. Zikel emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation before spinal surgery: “I, like many surgeons, require smoking cessation prior to some spine operations, especially ones involving spinal fusion. There is extensive data that shows smoking negatively impacts fusion of bones, which can lead to worse surgical outcomes.”

How Smoking Affects Surgical Outcomes

Smoking can impact spinal surgery in several ways:

• Delayed or prevented healing
• Increased risk of surgical complications
• Reduced effectiveness of anesthesia
• Higher risk of post-operative infections
• Slower recovery times

Why is smoking particularly problematic for spinal fusion surgery? Spinal fusion relies on the body’s ability to grow new bone tissue to connect the vertebrae. Smoking impairs this process by reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to the surgical site, significantly increasing the risk of fusion failure.

The Benefits of Quitting: Hope for Smokers with Back Pain

While the negative effects of smoking on back health are significant, there is hope for those who choose to quit. Smoking cessation can lead to numerous improvements in overall health, including potential alleviation of back pain symptoms.

What are the immediate benefits of quitting smoking for back health? Within hours of quitting, blood flow begins to improve, reducing inflammation and promoting better healing. Over time, the risk of developing new back problems decreases, and existing conditions may become more manageable.

Steps to Quit Smoking and Improve Back Health

1. Consult with a healthcare provider about smoking cessation methods
2. Consider nicotine replacement therapy or medications to manage cravings
3. Engage in regular exercise to improve circulation and spine health
4. Practice stress-reduction techniques to manage withdrawal symptoms
5. Seek support from friends, family, or support groups

Dr. Mukai emphasizes the importance of quitting: “There’s just nothing good that comes out of smoking.” She adds that quitting smoking can help improve overall health, including back pain symptoms.

Beyond Back Pain: The Wider Impact of Smoking on Health

While this article focuses on the relationship between smoking and back pain, it’s crucial to remember that smoking affects nearly every system in the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2016, around 38 million people in the United States still smoked every day or some days, despite widespread knowledge of its harmful effects.

What are some other health risks associated with smoking? Smoking significantly increases the risk of:

• Various types of cancer, especially lung cancer
• Heart disease and atherosclerosis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Stroke
• Peripheral artery disease
• Diabetes complications

Additionally, smoking can exacerbate existing health conditions such as asthma and lead to slower wound healing and increased infection risk after surgery.

The Economic and Social Costs of Smoking

Beyond individual health impacts, smoking also has significant economic and social costs. These include:

• Increased healthcare expenditures
• Lost productivity due to smoking-related illnesses
• Environmental damage from cigarette production and disposal
• Secondhand smoke exposure risks for non-smokers
• Financial burden on individuals and families

How much can quitting smoking save in healthcare costs? Studies have shown that quitting smoking can lead to substantial savings in healthcare costs over time, both for individuals and healthcare systems as a whole.

The Role of Healthcare Providers in Smoking Cessation

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in helping patients quit smoking and manage smoking-related health issues, including back pain. Their involvement can significantly improve the chances of successful smoking cessation and better overall health outcomes.

Integrated Approach to Smoking Cessation and Back Pain Management

An integrated approach that addresses both smoking cessation and back pain management can be particularly effective. This may include:

• Comprehensive health assessments
• Personalized smoking cessation plans
• Pain management strategies
• Physical therapy and exercise recommendations
• Psychological support for both smoking cessation and pain management

How can healthcare providers effectively support patients in quitting smoking? Healthcare providers can offer evidence-based smoking cessation interventions, provide education about the health risks of smoking, and offer ongoing support and follow-up to improve quit rates.

Future Research and Developments

As our understanding of the relationship between smoking and back pain continues to evolve, ongoing research is crucial. Future studies may focus on:

• More precise mechanisms by which smoking affects spinal health
• Development of targeted interventions for smokers with back pain
• Long-term effects of e-cigarettes and vaping on spinal health
• Genetic factors that may influence susceptibility to smoking-related back issues
• Novel approaches to smoking cessation specifically tailored for individuals with chronic pain

What advancements can we expect in the treatment of smoking-related back pain? Future developments may include more personalized treatment approaches based on genetic and lifestyle factors, as well as new technologies to aid in smoking cessation and pain management.

The Promise of Personalized Medicine

Personalized medicine holds great promise for addressing the complex relationship between smoking and back pain. By considering individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, healthcare providers may be able to offer more targeted and effective interventions.

How might personalized medicine improve outcomes for smokers with back pain? Personalized approaches could include tailored smoking cessation strategies, customized pain management plans, and individualized rehabilitation programs based on a patient’s specific risk factors and health profile.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Smokers with Back Pain

The connection between smoking and back pain is clear and significant. For those struggling with back pain and a smoking habit, the message is unequivocal: quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your spinal health and overall well-being.

While the journey to becoming smoke-free may be challenging, the potential benefits – reduced pain, improved healing, and better overall health – make it a worthwhile endeavor. With the support of healthcare providers, family, and community resources, it is possible to overcome nicotine addiction and pave the way for a healthier, pain-free future.

Remember, it’s never too late to quit smoking and start reaping the benefits for your back and overall health. Take the first step today towards a smoke-free life and a healthier spine.

4 Ways Smoking Wrecks Your Back

Back pain: Yet another reason to quit smoking.

We’ve all seen those jarring anti-smoking ads over the years, the ones created by The American Lung Association or American Cancer Society that show longtime smokers with tracheotomies or carrying around oxygen tanks. And although these ads are powerful, people do continue to smoke. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2016, around 38 million people still smoked every day or some days.

There are many documented risks associated with smoking, including:

• Greatly increased risk of many cancers, especially lung

• Increased risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis

• Slower wound healing and increased infection risk after surgery

• Aggravation of existing health conditions such as asthma

Along with these dire outcomes, smoking can also greatly exacerbate back pain.

“Many people know that smoking cigarettes can cause lung cancer or heart disease, but most people are not aware that smoking is also bad for your back,” says Ofer M. Zikel, M.D., FACS, director of Neurological and Spinal Surgery at Wisconsin’s Aurora Medical Center Kenosha. “In my opinion, which is shared by many others, smoking greatly contributes to the incidence and severity of low back pain in the community.”

If you are currently smoking and experiencing back pain, among other health concerns, read on to learn even more information on smoking, back pain, and how it affects your body.

Smoking not only causes back pain—it brings on all-over pain and overwhelms the vascular system—your blood vessels (veins, arteries, and capillaries).

“Primarily, smoking has a bad impact on blood flow and circulation,” explains Ai Mukai, M.D., physiatrist at Texas Orthopedics, Sports and Rehabilitation Associates in Austin, TX. “This can damage muscles and tendons as well as the other spinal structures, such as the disc.”

She adds that smokers don’t heal well from injuries, “which means if you injure a disc, it will take smokers longer to heal—or it may not heal at all. ”

As for pain elsewhere in the body, Dr. Mukai says that smoking encourages increased inflammation, and that in and of itself can cause pain. Smoking can also interfere with medications that are prescribed to help pain and its absorption and function in the body.

So, why does smoking lead to pain?

Dr. Zikel says that there are several theories on this, “including the neuroexcitatory role of nicotine, as well as the harmful effects of many of the other chemicals and toxins in smoke damaging the spinal discs and facets, or the joints of the spine.”

There are myriad painful conditions, from desiccated discs to osteoporosis, that are either caused or worsened by smoking. Some procedures can also be jeopardized due to smoking.

1. Degenerative Disc Disease: “Smoking is linked to the development of degenerative disc disease, otherwise known as disc dehydration among other terms,” says Dr. Zikel. He details that dehydrated discs are “likely due to the effects of nicotine on the vascular system as well as the cellular damage caused by smoke toxins. ”

2. Osteoporosis: Dr. Mukai says, “Smoking is also associated with higher risk of osteoporosis, or thin bones, and this can lead to increased risk of spine fractures.”

3. Fibromyalgia: According to a Mayo Clinic study, smokers with fibromyalgia reported an increased severity in their symptoms, a worse quality of life, and increased anxiety when compared to non-smokers with fibromyalgia.

4. Spinal Fusion: When it comes to smoking and spinal fusion, it’s known that smoking can delay or prevent healing and fusion, something that can be quite detrimental when trying to permanently connect two or more vertebrae in one’s spine. Actually, it can negatively affect spine surgeries in general. Dr. Zikel says, “I, like many surgeons, require smoking cessation prior to some spine operations, especially ones involving spinal fusion. There is extensive data that shows smoking negatively impacts fusion of bones, which can lead to worse surgical outcomes. ”

Beyond pain, smoking can additionally influence mood and sleep quality.

“Smoking has a negative association with three factors—mood, sleep, and pain,” Dr. Mukai says. “It’s a negative, vicious cycle, since people who are depressed, have pain, or experience anxiety tend to smoke more to cope in an unhealthy way, which then leads to worse pain and health.” She adds that depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders have been found to have a negative impact on spine surgery outcomes.

Have all of these facts convinced you to quit smoking? We really hope so. If so, you should know that it absolutely can be done, with the right resources.

“There’s just nothing good that comes out of smoking,” Dr. Mukai asserts, adding that quitting smoking can help with pain in the long run. She believes that several therapies can help someone quit smoking, such as medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and she’s also seen good results from hypnosis and acupuncture.

“There are many reasons to quit smoking today,” Dr. Zikel says. “Quitting not only increases your lifespan, but the quality of life, with less risk of chronic disease and pain. I recommend that those who want to quit talk to their primary care physicians about a treatment plan which, depending on the individual, can include nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and support.”

He shares a final thought, saying, “As I tell my patients, smoking cessation is one of the greatest achievements of your life.”

• Intro: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (January 2018) “Smoking is down, but almost 38 million American adults still smoke” https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0118-smoking-rates-declining.html
• Intro: Cureus. (September 2016) “Association Between Smoking and Back Pain in a Cross-Section of Adult Americans” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5081254/
• The Effects on Chronic Pain and the Vascular System: Pain. (October 2019) “Effects of smoking on patients with chronic pain: a propensity-weighted analysis on the Collaborative Health Outcomes Information Registry” https://journals.lww.com/pain/Abstract/2019/10000/Effects_of_smoking_on_patients_with_chronic_pain_.22.aspx
• Conditions Worsened by Smoking: Spine. (March 2004) “Effect of Nicotine on Spinal Disc Cells: A Cellular Mechanism for Disc Degeneration” https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Abstract/2004/03010/Effect_of_Nicotine_on_Spinal_Disc_Cells__A.18.aspx
• Conditions Worsened by Smoking: Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes. (February 2019) “Tobacco Use in Fibromyalgia Is Associated With Cognitive Dysfunction” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6408684/
• Conditions Worsened by Smoking: Global Spine Journal. (January 2016) “The Effects of Smoking and Smoking Cessation on Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature” https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5077710/

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4 Ways Smoking Wrecks Your Back

Back pain: Yet another reason to quit smoking.

We’ve all seen those jarring anti-smoking ads over the years, the ones created by The American Lung Association or American Cancer Society that show longtime smokers with tracheotomies or carrying around oxygen tanks. And although these ads are powerful, people do continue to smoke. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2016, around 38 million people still smoked every day or some days.

There are many documented risks associated with smoking, including:

• Greatly increased risk of many cancers, especially lung

• Increased risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis

• Slower wound healing and increased infection risk after surgery

• Aggravation of existing health conditions such as asthma

Along with these dire outcomes, smoking can also greatly exacerbate back pain.

“Many people know that smoking cigarettes can cause lung cancer or heart disease, but most people are not aware that smoking is also bad for your back,” says Ofer M. Zikel, M.D., FACS, director of Neurological and Spinal Surgery at Wisconsin’s Aurora Medical Center Kenosha. “In my opinion, which is shared by many others, smoking greatly contributes to the incidence and severity of low back pain in the community.”

If you are currently smoking and experiencing back pain, among other health concerns, read on to learn even more information on smoking, back pain, and how it affects your body.

Smoking not only causes back pain—it brings on all-over pain and overwhelms the vascular system—your blood vessels (veins, arteries, and capillaries).

“Primarily, smoking has a bad impact on blood flow and circulation,” explains Ai Mukai, M.D., physiatrist at Texas Orthopedics, Sports and Rehabilitation Associates in Austin, TX. “This can damage muscles and tendons as well as the other spinal structures, such as the disc. ”

She adds that smokers don’t heal well from injuries, “which means if you injure a disc, it will take smokers longer to heal—or it may not heal at all.”

As for pain elsewhere in the body, Dr. Mukai says that smoking encourages increased inflammation, and that in and of itself can cause pain. Smoking can also interfere with medications that are prescribed to help pain and its absorption and function in the body.

So, why does smoking lead to pain?

Dr. Zikel says that there are several theories on this, “including the neuroexcitatory role of nicotine, as well as the harmful effects of many of the other chemicals and toxins in smoke damaging the spinal discs and facets, or the joints of the spine.”

There are myriad painful conditions, from desiccated discs to osteoporosis, that are either caused or worsened by smoking. Some procedures can also be jeopardized due to smoking.

1. Degenerative Disc Disease: “Smoking is linked to the development of degenerative disc disease, otherwise known as disc dehydration among other terms,” says Dr. Zikel. He details that dehydrated discs are “likely due to the effects of nicotine on the vascular system as well as the cellular damage caused by smoke toxins.”

2. Osteoporosis: Dr. Mukai says, “Smoking is also associated with higher risk of osteoporosis, or thin bones, and this can lead to increased risk of spine fractures.”

3. Fibromyalgia: According to a Mayo Clinic study, smokers with fibromyalgia reported an increased severity in their symptoms, a worse quality of life, and increased anxiety when compared to non-smokers with fibromyalgia.

4. Spinal Fusion: When it comes to smoking and spinal fusion, it’s known that smoking can delay or prevent healing and fusion, something that can be quite detrimental when trying to permanently connect two or more vertebrae in one’s spine. Actually, it can negatively affect spine surgeries in general. Dr. Zikel says, “I, like many surgeons, require smoking cessation prior to some spine operations, especially ones involving spinal fusion. There is extensive data that shows smoking negatively impacts fusion of bones, which can lead to worse surgical outcomes.”

Beyond pain, smoking can additionally influence mood and sleep quality.

“Smoking has a negative association with three factors—mood, sleep, and pain,” Dr. Mukai says. “It’s a negative, vicious cycle, since people who are depressed, have pain, or experience anxiety tend to smoke more to cope in an unhealthy way, which then leads to worse pain and health.” She adds that depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders have been found to have a negative impact on spine surgery outcomes.

Have all of these facts convinced you to quit smoking? We really hope so. If so, you should know that it absolutely can be done, with the right resources.

“There’s just nothing good that comes out of smoking,” Dr. Mukai asserts, adding that quitting smoking can help with pain in the long run. She believes that several therapies can help someone quit smoking, such as medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and she’s also seen good results from hypnosis and acupuncture.

“There are many reasons to quit smoking today,” Dr. Zikel says. “Quitting not only increases your lifespan, but the quality of life, with less risk of chronic disease and pain. I recommend that those who want to quit talk to their primary care physicians about a treatment plan which, depending on the individual, can include nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and support.”

He shares a final thought, saying, “As I tell my patients, smoking cessation is one of the greatest achievements of your life.”

• Intro: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (January 2018) “Smoking is down, but almost 38 million American adults still smoke” https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0118-smoking-rates-declining.html
• Intro: Cureus. (September 2016) “Association Between Smoking and Back Pain in a Cross-Section of Adult Americans” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5081254/
• The Effects on Chronic Pain and the Vascular System: Pain. (October 2019) “Effects of smoking on patients with chronic pain: a propensity-weighted analysis on the Collaborative Health Outcomes Information Registry” https://journals.lww.com/pain/Abstract/2019/10000/Effects_of_smoking_on_patients_with_chronic_pain_.22.aspx
• Conditions Worsened by Smoking: Spine. (March 2004) “Effect of Nicotine on Spinal Disc Cells: A Cellular Mechanism for Disc Degeneration” https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Abstract/2004/03010/Effect_of_Nicotine_on_Spinal_Disc_Cells__A.18.aspx
• Conditions Worsened by Smoking: Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes. (February 2019) “Tobacco Use in Fibromyalgia Is Associated With Cognitive Dysfunction” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6408684/
• Conditions Worsened by Smoking: Global Spine Journal. (January 2016) “The Effects of Smoking and Smoking Cessation on Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature” https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5077710/

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7 Unobvious Causes of Back Pain – Information from an Orthopedist

Contents

According to statistics, every inhabitant of our planet has experienced back pain at least once in their life. The main causes of pain are clear: these are diseases of the spine, an uncomfortable pillow or mattress, or too intense training.

In fact, there are at least 7 more non-obvious reasons why a person may experience back pain. We tell you which ones.

1. Insomnia

Yes, back pain can really make it difficult to sleep at night. In fact, sleep disturbances can lead to back pain and even make it worse. Researchers still haven’t figured out the physiological cause of back pain from lack of sleep. Perhaps the reason is increased sensitivity to pain against the background of general stress.

2. Smoking

Smokers are almost 3 times more likely to suffer from back pain. Tobacco slows down the flow of blood to tissues and bones. This can lead to the destruction of the discs in the spine (which is very painful). And since smoking also slows down the healing process, the pain can linger. According to numerous studies, nicotine increases pain. Nicotine adversely affects the condition of the bone tissue. Normally, the processes of destruction and formation of bone substance are ongoing, and normally these processes occur without affecting the strength of the bones. Smoking shifts this balance in the direction of bone destruction: it affects bone tissue cells. As a result, the bone substance loses its density and acquires a structure resembling a sponge. Osteoporosis, or a decrease in bone density, in the spine leads to deformation of the vertebral bodies. This can lead to various pinched nerves and constant back pain.

3. Diseases of the feet

One of the main functions of the feet is the spring, with the help of which, when walking, they take on most of the load of the body. With the development of pathology, the stop-spring function is partially or completely lost, and other segments of the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, begin to take on the extra load. Therefore, it may be worth contacting a specialist, purchasing suitable insoles or changing shoes to orthopedic ones.

In all ORTEKA salons, a foot scanning service is available – so the insoles will be selected especially for you.

How it works?

Salon expert:

1. performs a partial foot examination;
2. takes a picture of the foot and writes out a recommendation form;
3. enters data for the manufacture of individual insoles.

This service is completely safe and takes no more than 5 minutes.

4. High growth

Scientists have identified a link between height and back problems. For example, according to one of them, in women with a height of 170 cm, the risk of lower back pain is 20% higher than in women of a shorter height. The risk also increases in men over 185 cm. Hormones or the way tall people move may be to blame. Posture problems can occur when a person bends over frequently. For example, to talk to lower people.

Another cause of back pain in tall people is the habit of slouching.

5. Clothes that are too tight

Perhaps it is fashionable and seductive. But it is also extremely harmful: in tight clothes, the lower part of the spine and pelvis move unnaturally. A tight pencil skirt forces the woman to keep her knees together, and also reduces the step – the lower back suffers greatly from this. Frequent wearing of tight skirts can cause problems with discs or spinal muscles.

Or jeans (especially tight ones) are tight on the legs, which greatly restricts the movement of the knees and hips. An unnatural position of the body places additional stress on the joints, which ultimately leads to a decrease in depreciation.

Very tight clothing can also contribute to slouching while sitting. All this weakens the muscles that are supposed to keep the spine in the correct position.

6. Urinary tract infections

Frequent “seasonal” diseases are cystitis and urethritis, bladder infections. A rarer and more serious problem is pyelonephritis, or inflammation of the kidneys. They cause lower back pain as well as:

• Heat;
• Chills;
• Nausea.

Back pain in urinary tract diseases is felt regardless of movement. With pyelonephritis and other diseases of the urinary tract, the back hurts constantly, and the pain can also “give” to the lower abdomen and genitals.

7. Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D is necessary for normal bone metabolism – as you know, calcium is absorbed only in synthesis with this vitamin. People who don’t get enough of it are especially prone to back pain. Perhaps this is due to the weakness of the vertebrae. Ensure sufficient vitamin D intake – for example, purchase special vitamin complexes or dietary supplements (required after consulting a doctor!).

2 390 ₽

Vitamin D3 2000 IU (Vitamin D3 2000 IU), 120 capsules

2 790 ₽

Astrum Bone-Aid Mineral Complex “Bone Strength”, 120 tablets

New

Calcium Magnesium D3 for bones, 60 capsules x 0.65 g

However, back pain in most cases is associated with orthopedic diseases. We invite you to take our online test and find out why you may experience discomfort.

How does smoking affect back pain?

It turns out that smokers are much more likely to have lower back pain. We understand why this happens.

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Back pain is one of the most popular reasons we seek medical help. Earlier, Men Today already wrote about its main reasons. Today we will talk about the prevention of back pain.

Contents of article

Back pain can affect anyone, from the elderly to the child. But there are factors that can increase the risk of developing it. Below are the most important ones.

Age . Back pain often occurs with age, starting from 30-40 years.

Lack of exercise. Weak, untrained back and abdominal muscles can cause back pain.

Overweight. Being overweight puts extra stress on your back.

Diseases. Some types of arthritis and cancer can cause back pain.

Incorrect lifting. Using your back instead of your legs when you are trying to lift a heavy load can cause pain.

Psychological conditions. People prone to depression and anxiety also have a greater risk of pain.

Smoking. Smokers are more likely to experience back pain. This may be because smoking reduces blood flow to the spine and increases the risk of osteoporosis.

( See also: Pain while running: why it occurs and how to treat it)

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Prevention

You can avoid or prevent back pain by improving your fitness and learning and practicing proper body mechanics.