Most people, including those who smoke, know that there are some health risks associated with smoking. They are often aware of the increased risks of cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and some of the other health issues related to smoking. What many people may not be aware of is the association that smoking has with chronic pain and, subsequently, opioid usage. New research sheds on the topic, providing crucial information for those who smoke, have chronic pain, and those who help with their pain management programs.
The research, published in the October 2024 issue of The Journal of Pain, looked at the association between smoking, chronic pain, and prescription opioid use [1]. They gathered information from surveys conducted spanning from 2013 to 2021. The data they collected found that smoking adults make up 16% of the population, but they use 30% of all opioid prescriptions.
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Additional important information gathered from this study includes that a year after quitting smoking, opioid use declined by 20% and pain declined by 7%, compared to those who continued to smoke. They also found that 12 years after quitting, there was no difference from the group that never smoked. This is good information for those who smoke and have chronic pain and who may be using prescription opioids for the pain. Taking steps to quit smoking may lead to using fewer prescription opioids, as well as experiencing less pain.
This information makes people wonder which came first. Did the smoking lead to more chronic pain, or did those who were experiencing chronic pain turn to smoking? Prior research in 2012 published in the same journal reported a study that found that individuals with chronic pain have higher rates of smoking cigarettes [2]. They report that patients in their study reported smoking as a coping strategy for chronic pain. While those people reported that they smoked due to chronic pain, they actually scored worse than the non-smokers when it came to pain-related outcomes and intensity.
The researchers of the latest study suggest that smoking cessation should be included in chronic pain management programs. Adults who have chronic pain and are smokers may benefit by quitting smoking since stopping can help with the pain and opioid usage if they are using prescription drugs for the pain. There are numerous options people can use to help quit smoking, including counseling, smoking cessation programs, and prescription products. This is one more tool that people with chronic pain can use to help find relief. Plus, they gain additional health benefits by giving up cigarettes.
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This article was originally published on Confronting Chronic Pain by Dr. Steven Richeimer, Director Pain Medicine and Pain Science Certificates.
Source:
- The Journal of Pain. The Association Between Smoking, Chronic Pain, and Prescription Opioid Use. October 2024.
- The Journal of Pain. Smoking Cigarettes as a Coping Strategy for Chronic Pain is Associated with Greater Pain Intensity and Poorer Pain-Related Function. March 2012.
