Intended for healthcare professionals

News Roundup

Childhood exposure to smoke may increase risk of back pain in later life

BMJ 2004; 329 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.329.7460.250 (Published 29 July 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;329:250
  1. Roger Dobson
  1. Abergavenny

    Exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood may increase the risk of developing back and neck problems in later life, says a new study. The research showed that adults who were exposed to tobacco smoke as children were more likely to take long term sick leave because of spinal pain.

    One explanation, say the researchers, could be the effects of the smoke on the developing spine. “In several studies, smoking has been associated with the occurrence of spinal pain, mostly low back pain, but also neck pain and prolapsed cervical intervertebral discs,” says the report in the European Journal of Public Health (2004:14;296-300).

    The study, …

    View Full Text

    Log in

    Log in through your institution

    Subscribe

    * For online subscription