Smokers are much more likely to report problems with chronic pain than non-smokers, according to a Journal of Pain report.
Researchers from the University of Kentucky School of Public Health, surveying women smokers, also found daily smokers were two times more likely to report pain than non-smokers, and those who smoke a pack or more a day were most likely to report a high burden of pain.
Authors said smoking-induced coughing increases abdominal pressure and back pain and nicotine may decrease pain thresholds by sensitizing pain receptors.
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