Smoking’s Role in Muscle Tension

Asking why people smoke is opening a can of worms that can be hard to understand given modern science, readily available information and public perception that seems to contradict any of its perceived benefits. Regardless, smokers persist for myriad reasons. One misconception, that is used as a reason to perpetuate the habit or addiction is that smoking somehow, “relieves tension,” despite there being clear, clinical evidence that suggests the exact opposite. 

While it may alleviate tension for the length of time the cigarette is smoked, the long term effect is one of accumulating toxicity that leads to muscle tension. Yes, nicotine is storied for its analgesic properties, but it is also storied for contributing to elevated levels of both carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the bloodstream. This is dangerous when you combine it with the oxygen repression that comes with smoking; decreased oxygen levels lead to lactic acid build up which directly creates muscle tension. So yes, you may be masking the pain you are consequently creating. 

At Family Chiropractic & Natural Healing Center, we can defintively say that one of the easiest ways to living a better life across the board begins with quitting smoking. We help you find a penchant for exercise and, consequently, well-being that will override the short term gratification of a cigarette. There is well-supported evidence that suggests many of the negative of smoking can be reversed after quitting and we would like to help you in this endeavor starting today; call our office to schedule an appointment today. 

Dr. Gregory Lind, D.C.