No Butts About It

Cigarette smoking is bad for our health.

This is not breaking news and most of us are aware that smoking contributes to heart disease, cancer, stroke, and lung disease. Did you know, however, that studies show that smokers are three times more likely to develop chronic back pain than non-smokers? There is also a higher prevalence of fibromyalgia and headache in smokers compared to non-smokers. Nicotine can diminish blood flow in the body, and to specialized joints in your back, delaying healing.

Cigarettes, tobacco products, and even e-cigarettes contain a host of extremely dangerous toxins. Tobacco use continues to be the largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States every year. Talk to your doctor today about your personalized plan to quit. Kick those butts and get yourself on track to improved health and less pain.

The Arizona Smokers’ Helpline (ASHLine), 1-800-556-6222, provides free services in both English and Spanish.