Q: Can smoking cigarettes increase low back pain?

A: For many years research could not identify all the adverse effects cigarette smoking has on our health. New research out of the journal "Medical Hypotheses"

2001, evaluated the relationship between low back pain and cigarette smoking. The results of the study indicate cigarette smokers have an increased risk of low back pain, which may be caused by disc degeneration and spinal instability. There is evidence that disc degeneration of cigarette smokers is of more severe degree than non-smokers.

Cigarette smoking increases the release of specific proteolytic enzymes from the tiny capillaries in the lungs, which inhibits the protective proteins (protease). The high level of proteolytic (enzyme) activity of cigarette smokers speeds up the degenerative process. The study also implies that this activity also weakens the spinal ligaments resulting in spinal instability.

Cigarette smoking is absolutely dangerous to your health and can cause low back pain.

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