Effect of Smoking
Many of the bad effects on musculoskeletal health caused by smoking can be reversed and even avoided if you decrease or stop smoking.
Smoking reduces blood supply to bones and soft tissues. Nicotine within tobacco slows the production of bone forming cells and reduces the amount of bone forming calcium that can be absorbed from what you eat. Smoking also reduces the amount of oxygen available to your muscles during activity.
All of these factors combine to lead to the following risks
- Increased risk of developing osteoporosis
- Increased risk of developing injuries to the muscles of your shoulder (rotator cuff)
- Higher risk of developing low back pain and rheumatoid arthritis
- Higher risk of overuse injuries like tendonitis
- Higher risk of fractures (broken bones) or muscle and tendon sprains
Get Help
If you smoke and would like support to quit, Help Me Quit Services are available by contacting: 0800 085 2219 or visiting www.helpmequit.wales for free NHS support to stop smoking.
Individuals can self refer to the service, which consists of one-to-one telephone based support, or walk in to a local community pharmacy for support.