Guest guest Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 Okay I have another issue I would like some imput on. I am a smoker who is currently trying to quit. I have been told by many different doctors since the onset of my DDD, that if I quit smoking that my pain would decrease, not go away but decrease. Has anyone ever heard this or believe this? I know EVERY doctor is going to tell you to quit smoking for other health reasons but I find it hard to believe that smoking will have any effect on my pain level. I have been smoking for 15+ years, I only quit once, that was when I was pregnant with my son. Soon after he was born I started up again. I want to quit but am not 100% there yet. I know I need to but anyone that smokes knows it's not that easy (well for me it's not because I am not 100% ready yet). My doctor gave me Wellbutrin to help me quit, has anyone ever used this for that reason? If so how did it help you? I guess (well hoped)I would start taking it and would magically quit, well that hasn't happened yet. I now know I have to try first and the Wellbutrin will help with the withdrawl and side effects. Thanks for any suggestions or comments you may have! MAS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2007 Report Share Posted January 5, 2007 It is well-documented that smoking does aggravate back problems and back pain. I believe it has to do with the fact that smoking decreases circulation, especially around the structures of the spine, which increases the degeneration of the disks. Thank you everyone who replied to this. I am greatful to have people that I can ask about these issues and get great feedback. I have heard both things, it would or could help the pain. Also regarding the circulation and progression of my DDD, that smoking does make that worse. I guess there is only one way to find out and that's to quit smoking! I was able to get the Welbutrin from my PM doctor. At first my insurance comp denied it, they wanted back up from him about past history, which I really don't have. But since they say that a lot of chronic pain patients have or are prone to depression issues, that is why I asked my pain doctor instead of my primary. He was able to get it approved, so they are paying for it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2007 Report Share Posted January 6, 2007 Smoking is a huge factor in my pain level. I am in severe pain from two big operations and with every cigarette I immediately feel the pain worsen. I have been trying to quit smoking for a long time and have tried everything to quit but always start again due to depression. If I manage to quit for a few days my pain level is cut in half. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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