Researchers from the University of Kentucky School of Public Health, surveying women smokers, also found daily smokers were two times more likely to report pain than non-smokers, and those who smoke a pack or more a day were most likely to report a high burden of pain.
Authors said smoking-induced coughing increases abdominal pressure and back pain and nicotine may decrease pain thresholds by sensitizing pain receptors.
Related Articles on Chronic Pain:
Study: Few Major Differences Between Chronic, Subacute Back Pain
Treating Chronic Pain With Addiction Can be Challenging
Childhood Anxiety, Other Adversities Linked to Pain in Adulthood
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