Cigarette smoking increases persistent pain intensity and interference, impairs function and sleep

Abstract

Commentary on: Khan JS, Hah JM, Mackey SC. Effects of smoking on patients with chronic pain: a propensity-weighted analysis on the Collaborative Health Outcomes Information Registry. P ain 2019;160:2374–9. The association between cigarette smoking and lung cancer was described in epidemiological studies in 1950. Smoking remains a public health issue with a strong association between demographic and socioeconomic factors. Chronic pain is also related to working, socioeconomic and educational status.1 Nicotine is suspected as providing an antinociceptive (pain-relieving) effect, yet chronic smokers have an increased risk of persistent pain. Smoking cessation in people with no pain at baseline …