Finally, smoking and vaping can also lead to spine instability. Because the spinal discs degenerate when using these products, the spine is vulnerable to abnormal motions. Nicotine vaping can also degenerate tendons, ligaments, and muscles, further destabilizing the spine.
Does smoking or vaping cause pain?
The more one smokes or vapes, the slower the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Cleveland Clinic suggests that consumption of nicotine will worsen pain over time, particularly in places where blood has difficulty reaching. It is possible, too, to feel pain while quitting.
How does vaping affect your body?
Like with regular cigarettes, the act of vaping releases dopamine into the system which produces a good feeling – that satisfaction as highlighted in cigarette marketing in the past. Initially, a person who vapes may feel a brief respite from discomfort, but over time vaping can lead to bigger problems.
What is the effect of nicotine on the spine?
Nicotine has been demonstrated to have a detrimental effect on the cells of the spinal disc (nucleus pulposus) and therefore, may potentiate degenerative disc disease. Furthermore, nicotine has been implicated as a risk factor for the loss of bone density in the skeleton, including the spine; a condition known as osteoporosis.
Can smoking cause spine problems?
Although less significant than cancer, nicotine use has been linked to spine problems on multiple levels. Absolutely no level of nicotine negates these risks, and therefore the only way to avoid this is complete cessation of nicotine-containing substances. The first suggestion that smoking may be linked to osteoporosis dates back to 1976.
What are the physiological effects of smoking e-cigarettes?
Primary research suggests that the principle mechanism behind physiological consequences related to e-cigarette exposure is oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress and inflammation are intricately linked bidirectional processes that together lead to cellular and tissue damage [13]. E-cigarette vapor itself, like cigarette smoke, is a potent source of ROS [14]. When using an e-cigarette, ROS are directly inhaled into the lungs and play an integral role in stimulating inflammatory signaling cascades [14,15]. Moreover, inflammation stemming from exposure to toxic chemicals in e-cigarette vapor results in the recruitment of immune cells like macrophages and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Subsequently, inflammatory proteins and immune cells generate ROS that work in a feed-forward manner to increase inflammation and cellular damage, which can have widespread effects on various organ systems.
What is the strongest link to e-cigarettes?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vitamin E acetate , a common additive in e-cigarette devices, represents the strongest link to e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) outbreak [5].
Can vaping affect spinal fusion?
The outcome and results of spinal fusion operations in patients who admit to e-cigarettes use are poorly described in the literature. A 2019 review by Amaro et al. provided a review of available knowledge on the effects of vaping on orthopedic surgeries that are pertinent to spinal fusions [30]. While the effects of e-cigarettes use on spinal fusion is not well documented, experiments of posterolateral spinal fusions in the rabbit model demonstrate that nicotine alone can affect surgical outcomes [30]. A 1995 study by Silcox et al. demonstrated systemic nicotine significantly increased pseudoarthrosis rate to 100% compared to 44% in control animals in a rabbit model of posterolateral spine fusion [31]. A 2000 study by Theiss et al. revealed nicotine alone inhibits the expression of multiple cytokines with a variety of functions during spine fusion [32].
When were electronic cigarettes invented?
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were first designed by a Chinese pharmacist in 2003 [1] . In 2006, e-cigarettes were introduced to the United States market as a smoking cessation tool marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes [2]. According to a recent study of U.S. adults, 95% of those interviewed believed e-cigarettes to be “cleaner and healthier” than conventional products, suggesting the validity of introductory claims were widely accepted by the general public [3]. The result was exponential growth in popularity among traditional combustible cigarette smokers, who represent 64.7% of e-cigarette users [4] . In a survey of approximately 15,000 U.S. adults between 2010 and 2013, e-cigarette use increased from 1.8% to 13%, approximately a seven-fold increase [4]. Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) evolved from traditional disposable e-cigarettes, which are similar to conventional cigarettes in flavor and appearance, to large-size tank devices, and finally “pod-mod” devices such as JUUL® [2]. The JUUL® was introduced in 2015, and immediately gained popularity amongst the youth due to its sleek design, desirable flavors, and the ability to smoke discreetly in prohibited locations [2]. The usage of ENDS has increased in young adults from 1.5% in 2011 to 20.8% in 2018 [2].
Does vaping cause inflammation?
Recent data by Crotty Alexander et al. suggests that e-cigarette exposure triggers an inflammatory response that results in cellular damage to the airways, specifically by disrupting pulmonary epithelial barrier function [10]. In a feed-forward manner , disruption of barrier function and continued exposure to chemical toxins found in e-cigarette vapor contributes to systemic inflammation that can result in downstream organ pathologies such as renal fibrosis [10]. An essential component of inflammation is oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, which is generated by increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), can activate the transcription of inflammatory genes such as IL-8, a potent chemokine that recruits leukocytes and is involved in chronic inflammation [11]. Several groups have clearly demonstrated the link between vaping and oxidative stress using both in vivo and in vitro laboratory models. Lerner et al. measured intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels in mice exposed to e-cigarette vapor for three days (five hours total exposure time) [11]. GSH is an essential endogenous antioxidant that maintains cellular redox balance by responding to ROS stress [11]. The authors found that there was a significant decrease in GSH levels in mice exposed to e-cigarette vapor compared with air-exposed controls (P < 0.05) [11]. Additionally, there were modulations in the balance between the reduced and oxidized forms of GSH in mice exposed to e-cigarette vapor [11]. Ganapathy et al. found that human epithelial bronchial cells exposed to e-cigarette vapor for two weeks in vitro had significantly increased levels of oxidative damage, indicated by 8-oxo-dG DNA lesions, compared to the control group of air-only (P < 0.05) [12]. Cells exposed to e-cigarette vapor showed significantly increased levels of oxidative damage compared to cells exposed only to cigarette smoke (P < 0.05) [12]. Moreover, the authors reported a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity in cells exposed to either e-cig vapor or cigarette smoke (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between the two experimental groups [12].
Is e-cigarette smoke a carcinogen?
The general consensus is that e-cigarette vapor has substantially lower levels of carcinogens and toxins found in traditional cigarette smoke. For example, Tayyarah et al. report that cigarette smoke contains between 3069 and 3350 μg/puff of the 55 harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHC) measured in the study [6]. Conversely, e-cigarette vapor contained <2 μg/puff of HPHCs, or ~99% less analytes than cigarettes [6]. However, there are novel toxicology risks associated with e-cigarettes that must be further evaluated. E-cigarettes have heating coils that are made of various metallic compounds and can be used with thousands of different e-liquids with various chemical flavoring additives [7]. Williams et al. quantified the abundance of metallic elements in various e-liquids using induced coupled plasma-optical emissions spectroscopy (ICP-OES) [8]. The authors reported that e-cigarette vapor contained aerosol particles >1µm of tin, silver, iron, nickel, aluminum, silicate [8]. Strikingly, nine of the 11 metals detected in e-cigarette vapor were equal to or greater than the concentration detected in cigarette smoke [8]. All of these metals are associated with human toxicity at high doses, particularly in the nervous, renal, and respiratory systems [8].
Is e-cigarettes healthier than conventional cigarettes?
According to a recent study of U.S. adults, 95% of those interviewed believed e-cigarettes to be “cleaner and healthier” than conventional products, suggesting the validity of introductory claims were widely accepted by the general public [3].
Is e-cigarette smoking harmful?
E-cigarettes have many harmful effects on multiple organ systems, but more research is needed to fully understand the extent of possible risks. Our nar …. "Vaping" or the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigar ettes) has greatly increased within the past decade, with growing popularity among adolescents. E-cigarettes have many harmful effects on ...
Does nicotine affect spinal fusion?
While studies have demonstrated the inhibitory effects of nicotine use on spinal fusions in animal models, the impact of e-cigarette use on spinal fusion operations in human patients is currently lacking.
How does smoking affect your sensitivity to pain?
Sensitivity to Pain. Smoking increases sensitivity to pain by altering the perception of pain through the neuroendocrine system. Smokers who have spinal symptoms for the same amount of time as non-smokers report symptoms as more severe and present for a greater percentage of time each day.
How much disc recovery does smoking cause?
In cellular studies, stopping nicotine exposure demonstrated only 75-85 percent disc recovery in “ light smoking” and 55-75 percent disc recovery in “heavy smoking” groups at one year. And while quitting smoking has been linked to improved back pain, restoration of the nicotine-degenerated disc is minimal.
Does nicotine cause disc degeneration?
Studies indicate that nicotine decreases the disc’s ability to regenerate its injured cells. Additionally, nicotine decreases blood flow and blocks oxygen transport to the disc (which already has minimal blood supply). This starves the disc of nutrients leading to disc degeneration. Disc degeneration may be an independent cause ...
Does nicotine damage the disc?
A normal disc is composed of a central “jelly-like” portion called the nucleus and outer rings of fibers called the annulus. Nicotine damages both the annulus and nucleus of the intervertebral disc. It appears that a normal disc, under normal wear and tear, develops small injuries called fissures, and these continually repair themselves. Studies indicate that nicotine decreases the disc’s ability to regenerate its injured cells. Additionally, nicotine decreases blood flow and blocks oxygen transport to the disc (which already has minimal blood supply). This starves the disc of nutrients leading to disc degeneration. Disc degeneration may be an independent cause of pain and instability of the spine. Therefore, smokers damage healthy discs and accelerate damage to already degenerating discs. In cellular studies, stopping nicotine exposure demonstrated only 75-85 percent disc recovery in “light smoking” and 55-75 percent disc recovery in “heavy smoking” groups at one year. And while quitting smoking has been linked to improved back pain, restoration of the nicotine-degenerated disc is minimal.
Does smoking cause osteoporosis?
Nicotine affects hormone levels, vitamin D and calcium absorption, blood vessel constriction and bone oxygen supply. In fact, nicotine opposes estrogen and stimulates earlier menopause in women. Smoking lowers testosterone levels. It also instigates chronic inflammation. Through these effects, nicotine promotes osteoporosis or weakening of bones. This increases the rate of fractures both in the spine and throughout the body. Women smoking more than one pack per day throughout adulthood have an average of five to ten percent lower bone density than non-smokers. Even second-hand smoke affects bone mineral density. Smoking causes an increased lifetime risk of developing a spine fracture by 32 percent in men and 13 percent in women.
Does nicotine cause spine problems?
Although less significant than cancer, nicotine use has been linked to spine problems on multiple levels. Absolutely no level of nicotine negates these risks, and therefore the only way to avoid this is complete cessation of nicotine-containing substances.
Is nicotine a carcinogen?
Nicotine in cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, oral tobacco and even nicotine patches all contain carcinogenic substances such as hydrocarbons and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA). Nicotine use is the most preventable form of cancer and death known to mankind. Although less significant than cancer, nicotine use has been linked to spine problems ...
Reduced Bone Mineral Density
Vaping products have a wide variety of chemical flavors and metallic compounds added to the liquids. Unfortunately, these are associated with significant human toxicity. Research studies have found that carcinogens in electronic cigarettes have a toxic impact on osteoblast cells. Osteoblasts are responsible for making new bone cells in your body.
Hypoxic Environments Damage Intervertebral Discs
In addition, these studies have demonstrated the adverse impact of a hypoxic environment. Nicotine has long been known to lead to blood vessel construction. What this means is that it is difficult for oxygen and nutrients to get where they need to go.
Oxidative Stress Leads To Systemic Inflammation
Furthermore, electronic cigarettes, nicotine, and vaping can lead to oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. When inflammation takes place throughout the body, this can have a negative impact on spinal cord health. Inflammation can lead to cellular damage, damaging the intercellular matrix.
Poor Healing and Fusion
Using nicotine products and electronic cigarettes can also lead to poor healing. For example, if someone undergoes an operation, the presence of nicotine will make it more difficult for the body to form the collagen it needs to complete the recovery process. Without access to a strong blood supply, it is difficult for the body to fully recover.
Spine Instability
Finally, smoking and vaping can also lead to spine instability. Because the spinal discs degenerate when using these products, the spine is vulnerable to abnormal motions. Nicotine vaping can also degenerate tendons, ligaments, and muscles, further destabilizing the spine.
Rely on a Chiropractor in Raleigh North Carolina
This is just a brief overview of the numerous negative impacts of smoking, nicotine, and vaping on the health of your spine. If you are suffering from back pain and believe it’s attributed to smoking, reach out to your local Raleigh chiropractor for help. Our chiropractor, Dr.
How does smoking affect your heart?
The effects of smoking tobacco can begin with administration of general anesthesia, which is commonly used for spine surgery. First, nicotine increases heart rate, meaning your heart is pumping more and working harder. Blood pressure may increase and because nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, blood vessels narrow. People who smoke produce more mucus that may affect the airway and complicate breathing while under anesthesia. Additional medication (eg, albuterol, a bronchodilator) may be needed to increase oxygen intake.
How long should you smoke before a spine surgery?
If you smoke, your spine surgeon may recommend you quit four to six weeks before your surgery, and remain nicotine free for four weeks thereafter. This can reduce your risk of wound complications by 50%. 1
What is an e-cigarette?
Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems or ENDS. These battery-powered devices are designed to resemble traditional tobacco products (eg, cigarettes, pipes), although some of these products look like a pen or memory stick. An e-cigarette delivers nicotine in a heated flavored vapor.
Is e-cigarettes a tobacco product?
However, a study performed by the Center for Environmental Health showed the nicotine-free devices delivered acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, both cancer-causing chemicals. E-cigarettes are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as part of a tobacco smoking cessation program.
Does smoking cause bone fractures?
Furthermore, smoking interferes with the body’s ability to absorb calcium and more quickly breaks down estrogen—both of which are vital to healthy bones. Fact: Osteoporosis is a contributing risk factor to painful vertebral compression fractures.
Is it safe to smoke e-cigarettes?
Therefore, the question as to whether e-cigarettes are safer than smoking tobacco remains unanswered.
Does tobacco affect spinal fusion?
However, tobacco use increases the risk for an incomplete fusion, failed fusion, or non-union.
How does smoking affect spinal fusion?
Smoking affects the body’s ability to heal by causing ischemia (insufficient blood flow) at the cellular level. This affects the ability of a fusion to heal and create solid bone between vertebral bodies. As a result of this, we ask our elective spinal patients to stop smoking prior to surgery as it is in their best interest.
Why is smoking bad for your back?
Smoking remains an important issue when it comes to back pain and spinal surgery. Smoking affects circulation of blood in the small vessels. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to cells. This is important because there is little circulation to the the shock-absorbing discs that cushion our spine.
How long after spinal fusion can you smoke?
I recommend that patients who plan to have spinal surgery give up smoking for about 6 weeks after surgery. This includes e-cigarettes until more information about their effects are known.
Can you stop nicotine before spinal surgery?
Anything that continues to provide nicotine to the system should be discontinued prior to elective spinal surgery. Particularly, if there are no indications that surgery or neural (nerve) decompression is urgent. Praveen V. Mummaneni, MD — Neurosurgeon/Todd Vogel, MD — Neurosurgeon. Yes.
Why is oxygen important for discs?
When glucosaminoglycan cells die, the discs dry out, degenerate and become prone to cracking—all of which accelerates wear and tear, and may lead to chronic back pain. Updated on: 07/16/19. Continue Reading.
Why should I stop smoking?
First, patients who smoke are known to have an increased risk of back pain. Stop smoking, and your back pain may improve.
Does nicotine cause vasoconstriction?
I believe the working hypothesis is nicotine causes vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction affects soft tissues by decreasing blood flow and increasing the risk for infection. During fusion, a healthy blood flow is essential to the formation of new bone. Vasoconstriction stunts the development of new bone and may result in failure of the fusion process. In the absence of clear spinal instability or the need for neural (nerve) decompression, I prefer not to operate on elective surgical patients who smoke. This being said, smoking is the most difficult addiction to fight. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Smokers need to be educated about the risks they take and the reduced improvement in outcomes associated with smoking.
What is a vape cartridge?
Vape cartridges, like traditional cigarettes, contain nicotine. Combined with other chemicals and artificial flavors, the nicotine is heated and inhaled as a vapor. Like with regular cigarettes, the act of vaping releases dopamine into the system which produces a good feeling – that satisfaction as highlighted in cigarette marketing in the past.
Does nicotine make you feel pain?
Cleveland Clinic suggests that consumption of nicotine will worsen pain over time, particularly in places where blood has difficulty reaching. It is possible, too, to feel pain while quitting. It’s a sensation that can improve, however, by replacing smoking habits with healthier activities. At Bon Secours Virginia Orthopaedic & Spine Specialists, ...
Does vaping cause joint pain?
The Connection Between Vaping and Joint Pain. If you smoke, and want to quit, any day is a great to begin. Whether you have smoked regularly for a short time or for years, completing a full day without a cigarette offers healthful benefits to your body. You lower the risk for heart attack, and your oxygen levels significantly improve.
Does vaping cause blood to flow slower?
Initially, a person who vapes may feel a brief respite from discomfort, but over time vaping can lead to bigger problems. The more one smokes or vapes, the slower the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
Is vaping safer than smoking?
(Source: Truth Initiative) While some view vaping as less harmful than smoking, it doesn’t necessarily mean vaping is risk-free, especially where joint pain is concerned.
