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 Statistics recently taken from the American Lung Association and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), showed that in excess of 430,000 people each year die due to smoking related diseases.
Further statistics from the American Lung Association revealed that 87% of lung cancers, chronic bronchitis and emphysema were caused by cigarette smoking.
Other known causes of smoking are:
- Lung cancer
- Heart disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Esophageal cancer
But did You Know Smoking was Bad for your Bones?
Just like other tissues and organs in your body, bones, acquire their nutrition through good blood flow.
 Blood flow brings in desperately needed nutrients for the bone when they are injured (fractured etc) to help heal the bone.
Smoking causes the blood to have an elevated level of nicotine, which constricts blood vessels leading to decreased blood flow. As a result of this, the delivery of nutrients and oxygen is restricted.
Therefore healing is compromised when a smoker injures a bone.
Osteoporosis is another health risk associated with how smoking is bad for your bones, due to impaired nutrition to the bones.
For a long time now smoking has also been related to lower back pain.
Oxygen deprivation from the restricted blood flow causes the discs to weaken resulting in the discs becoming degenerated and malnourished which is painful.
More pain in the lower back is caused by the smoker coughing as this makes the discs irritate. Occasionally doctors may even refuse to operate on a chronic smoker as the bone building cells are damaged by the nicotine and reduces the rate of which the spinal cord can heal from the surgery.
Other illnesses which chronic smoking can lead to are:
- Osteoporosis lead on by decreased bone density
- Prolonged healing of wounds due to restricted blood flow to skin
- Neuropathy, due to decreased flow of blood in hands and feet
- Higher chance of hip fracture
- Delayed healing after fracturing bones
 It is recommended to join a smoking cessation program if you have suffered from any of the above symptoms.
At Perth Chiropractic we can provide you with some great tips to assist you to quit smoking.
- Pick a time to start your quitting process during a stress free time
- With the help of a physiotherapist, relieve stress, boost your energy and strengthen your bones through daily exercise
- You’re not alone. Seek help from friends, family and even join a support group.
- Focus on your main reasons for quitting. This will give you the motivation you require.
For all health and even smoking issues, call Perth Chiropractor today on 08 9421 1733 so we can help lead you to a healthier life!
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