Two More Reasons Not to Smoke

1. A relationship between smoking and chronic pain was reported in the Journal of Pain.  Researchers at the University of Kentucky surveyed more than 6,000 women on their smoking habits and whether they had chronic pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia, sciatica, chronic neck or back pain, chronic headaches, knee pain, or nerve pain.  After adjustments for age, body mass index (BMI), and residence (Appalachian or non-Appalachian counties), it was found that daily smokers reported twice as many episodes of chronic pain than never-smokers.  “Some-day” smokers and former smokers showed lesser associations, but still significantly more than non-smokers.  The findings suggest that quitting smoking may be helpful for chronic pain management.
2. That cigarette enjoyed first thing in the morning may be the one that’s most responsible for raised cancer risk.  Two linked studies published in the journal Cancer – one for lung cancer and one for headand neck cancer – were done by researchers at Penn State College of Medicine.  Among 4,775 lung cancer patients, who were compared with 2,835 non-cancer controls, those who lit up within half an hour of waking were at a 79% higher risk of lung cancer than those who waited at least an hour.   For head-and-neck cancer, the risk in very-early smokers was 59% higher than in those who waited.  Of course, the risks in the smokers who waited for an hour before lighting up were still at a higher risk than the non-smokers – 31% and 42%, respectively for lung and head-and-neck cancers, respectively. 

If you still smoke, these studies suggest you try to quit if you suffer from much chronic pain.  Otherwise, at least delay your first cigarette until after breakfast.