Smoking is a known risk factor for back and disc pain and a recent study by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has shown that smoking cessation can significantly decrease spinal pain.  The study followed nearly 7000 adults who smoked regularly and tracked their self reported spinal pain levels as they quit the habit and received treatment for their back pain at the same time.  The treatment group that stopped smoking had significantly higher decreases in spinal pain than those who continued to smoke throughout the study.  This is the latest of many studies that link smoking and back pain.  There has been research in the past that has demonstrated that smoking restricts blood flow to the spine and increases general levels of inflammation in spinal tissues, particularly if they are already injured and inflamed.  In addition, smokers are generally less active individuals which we also know is a known risk factor for spinal pain and poor recovery from injury.  Our advice, stop smoking as soon as possible, your back will thank you for it.