Smoking affects your health in multiple ways and can result in various health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and many more. But were you aware that smoking can also harm your bones? This is because smoking affects every tissue in the human body. Smoking can affect bone density both directly and indirectly, which can eventually affect your ability to move around safely. It increases the chances of developing osteoporosis and bone fractures and delays healing fractures.
Effects Of Smoking On Bones
Osteoporosis
Smoking increases the chances of developing osteoporosis as it makes your bones weaker. As a result of smoking the supply of blood to your bones decreases.. It also reduces the ability of your body to absorb calcium, which is required to strengthen your bones. It accelerates the rate at which oestrogen, a hormone that aids in bone protection, is broken down. In addition, there is less production of the cells forming bones(osteoblasts).
Affects Musculoskeletal System
Smoking can also affect your musculoskeletal system, increasing the risk of illness and injury. People who smoke are at a greater risk of having shoulder tears, overuse injuries, traumatic injuries, sprains, and rheumatoid arthritis than non-smokers.
Also Read: All You Need To Know Before Considering Bone Or Joint Surgery
Hampers Wound Healing Process
Smoking can also affect the process of wound healing, such as fractures. It takes longer to treat fractures as the nicotine in cigarettes hampers the bone-forming cells. The creation of bone-forming cells, which are important for healing, is slowed by nicotine. Moreover, it raises complications after surgery due to the reduced blood supply to the tissues.
Arthritis
People who smoke are more prone to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, it can also lead to worsening the symptoms of osteoarthritis and cause severe pain and damage to your joints. Moreover, it can also reduce the effects of drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Also Read: Complications Due To Arthritis? Here’s How Weight Loss Can Help
Low Back Pain
Another side effect of smoking is that it can trigger pain in your lower back. This can happen due to reduced blood flow and nutrients to your spinal disc. People who smoke are at risk of developing chronic back pain.
Tips To Improve Bone Health
Healthy Diet
You should maintain a healthy diet and eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to improve your bone health.
Stay Active
You should avoid a sedentary lifestyle and involve yourself in physical activities like exercise and sports. However, you should consult with a doctor about your exercise routine if you have osteoporosis.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol can prevent your body from absorbing calcium, which can cause bone loss. Moreover, consuming it in excess can increase your risk of falling and fracturing a bone by impairing your balance.
Takeaway
You can lower the risk of many health issues by quitting smoking. It can help your body to remain healthy and function efficiently. Broken bones can be hard to recover from, and it might take a very long time for smokers.
