does vaping cause disc degeneration

Yes. While e-cigarettes appear to contain lower levels of potentially carcinogenic compounds, there is still a significant amount of nicotine in the aerosol created by e-cigarettes. 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.

Full Answer

Does vaping mess up your spine?

Additionally, nicotine – found in traditional and e-cigarettes – is long known to constrict blood vessels. The vertebral discs in the spine are already working with a small blood supply. So, when that supply is further reduced, spinal disc degeneration can follow.

Does nicotine cause degenerative disc disease?

Tobacco smoking is associated with numerous pathological conditions. Compelling experimental evidence associates smoking to the degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD). In particular, it has been shown that nicotine down-regulates both the proliferation rate and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) biosynthesis of disc cells.

How does nicotine affect spinal discs?

Nicotine, a constituent of tobacco smoke, present in most body fluids of smokers is known to have detrimental effects on a variety of tissues. It may also be directly responsible for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration by causing cell damage in both the nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus.

How can I improve my DDD?

Physical therapy can help stretch and strengthen the right muscles to help the back heal and reduce the frequency of painful flare-ups. Lifestyle modifications, such as changing your posture, losing weight or giving up smoking, can sometimes help reduce stress on the damaged disc and slow down further degeneration.

Does nicotine weaken your spine?

Nicotine can shrink blood vessels, which restricts the flow of crucial nutrients like calcium. Over time, cells degenerate or die, which impacts spinal cushions and breaks down the vertebral discs. This process can lead to degenerative disc disease (DDD), which often causes lower back pain or stiffness in your spine.

What are smokers legs?

Smoker's leg is the term for PAD that affects the lower limbs, causing leg pain and cramping. The condition results from the buildup of plaque in the arteries and, in rare cases, the development of blood clots.

Can smoking cause degenerative arthritis?

While smokers probably have a lower risk of radiographic OA than non-smokers, smokers also have a higher risk of musculoskeletal pain. The clinical relevance of any smoking effect in OA given the possible adverse effects on symptoms is unclear. Much remains unresolved in the study of smoking and OA.

Does smoking make back pain worse?

Over time, smoking may actually worsen your pain,” says pain management specialist Crawford Barnett, MD. Smokers are nearly three times as likely to get lower back pain. Smoking may aggravate abdominal pain and joint pain, as well. In fact, smoking may increase pain sensitivity in general.

Adverse Effects on Spine Health

To date, the research on the adverse health effects of e-cigarettes and vaping devices isn’t as voluminous as what’s available about cigarette smoking. To be fair to scientific researchers, such devices have been known to the public for less than 20 years. Though that can seem like a long time, it isn’t when it comes to long-term research studies.

Adults, Teens and Children Are Affected

It isn’t only adults who face the spine health risks associated with vaping. With the addition of fruit and candy-like flavorings to vape and e-cigarette products, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of these devices among adolescents in the United States.

Benefits of Quitting Smoking

I do have some good news. You’ve probably heard it told to smokers that their lung tissue can begin to regenerate and repair itself almost immediately when a person chooses to quit smoking. The same can be true for the spine. When the onslaught of toxic chemicals on the body is ceased, the spinal discs can begin to restore and regenerate.

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.

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].

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].

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].

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.

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.

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 ...

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 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 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.

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.

Does smoking reduce blood flow?

Cigarette smoking further reduces blood flow, meaning blood flow to the discs is less.The same problem affects wound healing after surgery. Smokers have a higher risk of wound problems, including infections. In addition to the blood flow issue, nicotine in cigarettes inhibits bone healing.

I had microdiscectomy surgery 2 weeks ago and I am feeling wonderful!

I know this is very quick after surgery and I am still in recovery but I just have to post that this surgery was one of the best things I’ve ever done! I am pain free finally!!! I am not taking any pain pills. I went 7 months in excruciating pain all day every day. And now I feel amazing! I am being SUPER DUPER careful in my recovery.

Pain in this area?

Anyone know what could be causing pain in this area, the crease between my legs/genital area? Specifically it’s right where the elastic lays from underwear, which even that pressure cause the pain to intensify. I do have chronic back pain but this is in the front of my hip area. I’ve tried everything I can think of to relieve it but nothing helps.

Lying on the floor is such a relief

It’s like magic. The moment I lie down on my yoga mat, no pain. It’s not the same on a bed. I have an 8mm herniation poking my sciatic nerve at L4/L5 and degeneration at L2/L3 and L3/L4. Why does the hard floor feel so amazing?!

Cymbalta for back pain ???

I was recently recommended Cymbalta 60mg for my chronic back and neck pain, I have no history of depression or mental health issues. I’m wondering if anyone has any experience taking this for pain only ? Everything I have read online has been negative but those individuals also suffer from depression, anxiety , ect..

Coffee & soda cause back pain?

I just read and know that energy drinks cause increase inflammation and back pain.

Lower back pain almost 3 months. Please help

21F in great health (workout/lift weights 3-4x per week. No major health issues. Active duty Air Force) except I’ve had lower back pain since May. There’s no single incident that I can pinpoint, it started randomly one day and never went away.

What happens at stage 3 of disc disease?

Stage three is often when things start to get noticeably bad. The postural changes are even more pronounced than the earlier stages. The compression of nerves and the growth of bone spurs in the spine can cause constant pain. Since the discs are even more degraded at this stage, mobility is often limited. The lack of energy becomes more persistent.

What is the last stage of disc degeneration?

The last stage of disc degeneration is usually irreversible , requiring significant and risky surgery to provide any help at all. At this stage, the discs are fully degraded, entirely gone, or have herniated and are pressing on nerves, causing near-constant pain. This type of herniated disc is very different from a bulging disc, which can correct itself. At this stage, the spinal vertebrae may begin to fuse together, severely limiting mobility and drastically decreasing quality of life.

How do you know if you are in stage 1 of DDD?

Usually the telltale sign that you’re in stage one of DDD is the loss of the natural curvature of the spine , which can often only be seen by a chiropractor or a physician. This change in the spinal curvature causes a pressure increase on the discs of the spine. Sometimes, this stage may increase the risk of a herniated or bulging disc.

How long does it take for a degenerative disc to develop?

Some form of disc degeneration usually begins between the third and fourth decades of life. As we get older, the more our discs will naturally degrade.

How long does it take for degeneration to go from stage one to stage 4?

The time it takes for degeneration to go from stage one to stage four can take decades, if it happens at all. Anyone who ignores the symptoms and does nothing to slow DDD can expect it to progress faster than anyone who seeks treatment and takes preventative measures.

Can degenerative disc disease cause paralysis?

While it’s possible to suffer from serious issues because of degenerative disc disease, paralysis is rare. The compression of the nerves in the spine due to DDD can cause numbness, pain, weakness, and even loss of bowel and bladder control, it’s rare that the disease is allowed to progress enough to cause paralysis.

Is degenerative disc disease a disease?

Before we go any further, it’s important to note that degenerative disc disease is a disease in the sense that many people think of diseases. Some amount of disc degeneration is normal as we age, but when the breakdown of the spinal discs progresses beyond this and causes pain, it can be classified as degenerative disc disease.

How many lung injuries are associated with vaping?

It Can Increase Your Chance of Lung Disease. Shutterstock. On October 10th, the CDC revealed that 1,299 lung injury cases associated with the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products have been reported from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and one U.S. territory. Of those, 26 deaths have been confirmed in 21 states.

How many people have died from vaping?

As mentioned before, at least 26 people in the United States have lost their lives because of their decision to vape. This number could be much higher, considering the likelihood that other people didn't report a history of vaping to their physicians. While more research clearly needs to be done regarding the potential health impact of vaping, the CDC strongly urges that you consider refraining from using e-cigarette, or vaping, products. For resources that can help you quit the use of vape products, visit the CDC's website here. And living your best healthy life can be simple with these 50 Secrets to Live to 100.

When did vaping start?

Vaping—meaning to the use of electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes), e-hookahs, vape pens, tank systems, mods, and electronic nicotine delivery systems—first debuted in 2003, and were marketed as a less-harmful alternative to smoking. A decade-and-a-half later, we are learning that isn't the case.

How many deaths from vaping have been confirmed?

Of those, 26 deaths have been confirmed in 21 states. While it is still unclear of the specific chemical exposure (s) causing these lung injuries associated with e-cigarette use, or vaping, all patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.

How old can you be if you vape?

It Can Age You. Akin to regular smoking, vaping can age you 10 years or more. "Vaping can age your skin similar to cigarettes," board-certified dermatologist Nazanin Saedi, MD, explains. "We know that people who smoke age prematurely, especially their skin.".

Does vaping raise blood pressure?

It Can Raise Your Blood Pressure. If your vaping involves nicotine, expect your blood pressure to increase, warns Steven Reisman, MD, New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center. An increase of blood pressure can have a serious impact on your cardiovascular health, increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or heart disease.

Does nicotine cause collagen?

She explains that nicotine lowers the oxygen supply, and also increases the breakdown of collagen. "People who smoke or vape also form lines around their mouths—smokers lines—from the breakdown of collagen," she points out. 2.

How many people die from vaping?

With 18 deaths and more than 1,000 cases of a mysterious lung disease linked to vaping, the damaging health effects of e-cigarettes are in the news nearly every day. Now eye care professionals are sounding the alarm: Vaping may damage your vision.

What is vaping liquid?

Vaping liquid contains nicotine, flavoring and other chemicals, but not tobacco.

Does vaping affect vision?

How vaping may affect your vision. A small-scale study published in September 2019 in the journal Optometry and Vision Science suggests vaping is not kind to our eyes. In the study, researchers found moderate to severe cases of dry eye and lower-quality tear film among 21 vapers compared with 21 healthy non-vapers.

Can smoking cigarettes cause vision problems?

Because some of these chemicals are also found in cigarettes, they could cause the same types of vision problems as cigarette smoking.

Is e-cigarette smoke dangerous?

Rohit Varma, director of the Southern California Eye Institute at CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles, believes the vapor from e-cigarettes is just as dangerous to your eyes as the smoke from regular cigarettes.

Does vaping cause eye problems?

Varma says the eye health risks tied to vaping stem from the chemicals that are emitted, including formaldehyde, nicotine and diacetyl (which is found in some e-cigarette flavoring). Because some of these chemicals are also found in cigarettes, they could cause the same types of vision problems as cigarette smoking.