Effects of Smoking on Rehab for Chronic Back Pain

Smoking has been linked with many health problems. It's been shown to decrease healing after spinal surgery. But does it affect the results of rehab after surgery? This study looks at the effects of smoking in disabled people with a work-related spinal disorder.

A large group of patients (over 1,000) were divided into four groups. Nonsmokers were in one group. Smokers were put into one of three groups based on the number of cigarettes smoked each day. All patients were tested on physical, psychological, and social factors before and after treatment.

Treatment consisted of exercise, counseling, and stress management. Fitness and return to work were the goals of treatment. One year later, everyone was called by phone and asked a series of questions. The researchers report the following results:

  • Male patients smoked more often than females.
  • White patients smoked more often than Hispanics or African-American patients.
  • Smokers had better physical function after treatment than nonsmokers.
  • Increased smoking frequency was linked with decreased pain intensity.
  • The greater the amount smoked, the lower the education level.
  • Smokers were less likely to complete the rehab program.

    The authors concluded that smoking may not be a bad influence on rehab for spinal disorders. Treatment geared toward psychological and social factors help patients deal with behavioral problems. This approach helps patients cope with chronic pain and may treat behavior problems associated with smoking. These results may remove our thoughts about the link between smoking and chronic back pain.



    References: Donald D. McGeary, PhD, et al. Smoking Status and Psychoeconomic Outcomes of Functional Restoration in Patients with Chronic Spinal Disability. In The Spine Journal. March/April 2004. Vol. 4. No. 2. Pp. 170-175.

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