Smoking, low back pain linked

Apart from the various health concerns associated with smoking, a new study reports smokers particularly younger ones are more likely to complain from low back pain, Press TV reported.

According to the study published in the American Journal of Medicine, smoking is modestly associated with the risk of low back pain, adding that the symptoms are partly reversible.

The study found the association to be stronger in adolescents.

"Current smokers (adolescents or adults) are at only 31% higher risk of low back pain compared with never smokers but this estimate is only for low back pain for one day or more during the past 12 months," said lead researcher Rahman Shiri.

Reduced blood supply to the spine and increased risk of osteoporosis along with increased blood levels of pain chemicals in smokers are believed to be the reasons contributing to the finding. The main reason, however, remains unclear.