Smoking Increases Fracture Risk

You know that Smoking can cause Lung Cancer, Asthma, Emphysema, and COPD.

Smoking also increases the Risk of Fractures, the Risk of Fractures Not Healing, and the Risk of Osteoporosis.  And it’s not just Tobacco!

Nicotine is very addictive.  Stopping Smoking is very difficult.  You will probably need help from your doctor.  Support Groups are also very helpful.

Check out FRAX.  A Smoker is almost twice as likely to Fracture as a non-smoker.

As an orthopedic surgeon, I dreaded taking care of Smokers.  Smokers are 5 to 10 times more likely to have their fracture Not Heal than non-smokers.  Smokers are 5 times more likely to have lung problems after anesthesia than non-smokers.

If you cannot stop, perhaps you can Cut Down.  The ill effects of Tobacco (and other things smoked) are dose related.  One quarter pack is only about half as harmful as a full pack.  And the Nicotine is not as bad as the Smoke.  Using the Patch helps!

You can Take Control Naturally!  You can Improve your Bone Health.  Stop Smoking, or at least Cut Down!

Jay Ginther, MD

January 2012

Categorised in: Bone Health, Fracture, Osteoporosis, Take Control Naturally