Should I stop smoking?

[Harrison]

Duh...of course you should! Just do any web search, you'll be hard-pressed to find reasons why you should continue with this unhealthy habit. Here's a few things to consider...

From Spine Universe:

...By eliminating tobacco and maintaining a fitness regiment along with a good diet, most people can enjoy the benefits of a healthy spine...

Much more pertinent stuff here:

� Smoking is a leading risk factor for DDD. Although genetic predisposition is the #1 risk factor, a growing number of studies indicate that smoking is a leading risk factor for DDD, both in the lumbar discs (lower back) and cervical discs (neck). Research suggests that smokers have a 3-4 times higher risk of developing DDD and that smoking can exacerbate pre-existing disc degeneration.

� Nicotine deprives disc cells of vital nutrients. In addition to nicotine, smokers introduce carbon monoxide into the blood stream and from there into body tissues. These poisons inhibit the discs� ability to absorb the nutrients they need from the blood. The result can be prematurely dehydrated, less pliable discs � degenerated discs. As the discs become more and more malnourished, there is a greater risk of a ruptured disc. This occurs when the disc contents break through the outer layer of the disc, often impinging on nerves and causing great pain, numbness, and in some cases nerve damage in the legs or arms. These same poisons also interfere with the absorption of calcium, leading to a compromised vertebral structure.

� Coughing, which is more prevalent among smokers, can also add to the risk. Coughing causes increased pressure between discs. This puts added strain on the spine and discs, creating greater risk of disc bulges and ruptures, especially in a spine already weakened because of nicotine smoking-related toxins.

http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/toba...kingandDDD.htm

And don't forget to see the list of 599 additives in cancer sticks! See:

http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/nico...ngredients.htm

[Harrison]

Just one more recent newsbyte on this important topic (video):

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2008/09/10/gupt....plastic.surgery.cnn