Studies have shown about four in five people will experience at least one episode of debilitating back pain, while about one in five suffers chronic problems. I'll be back in 15 minutes or so to remind you of this. The genesis of my aching back can be found in my decision to quit smoking. When I wrote about it, several readers sent in their own war stories and suggestions, including the inspirational words of one former smoker who kicked the habit after 47 years. Given enough time, you'll soon lose that awful urge to light up.
Willpower is the answer.
She was right. A month after quitting, I'm still a nonsmoker. But it hasn't been easy, which is why I took another reader's suggestion to heart. Since I quit smoking, I walk 2-3 miles a day and it relieves the stress of not smoking. Walking seemed boring, so I started cleaning.