I’ve had chronic back and leg pain for the last 10 years. I also smoke. My doctor wants me to quit smoking but I’m afraid it will make me gain weight. That would not be good for my back. What do the experts advise?

Many studies have shown some interesting connections between back pain and tobacco use (especially smoking). First of all, smoking seems to be a risk factor for developing neck and back pain. Put another way, smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to experience chronic pain.

At the same time, nicotine, an active ingredient in tobacco seems to provide pain relief for certain kinds of pain. In particular, neuropathic (nerve) pain may be lessened by smoking.

Doctors still don’t think smoking is a good way to manage chronic pain. There are just too many negative health effects of smoking to go in that direction. And these days, there are many helps and aids to manage pain.

One of the best ways to help smokers quit smoking and assist with pain control is exercise. Study after study has shown positive benefits of even 10 minutes of physical activity and exercise.

Exercise raises endorphin levels. Endorphins are natural mood elevators. Exercise also helps with weight control, a natural concern for many people planning to quit smoking.

Many people find it works better to follow a smoking cessation plan rather than go cold-turkey. A nicotine patch, antidepressant medication, exercise, and support group combined together give the best results.