Smoking causes decreased nutrition to the tissues of the back largely because of the carbon monoxide that cigarette smoke contains. In large amounts, carbon monoxide is a very poisonous substance. It is also a very dangerous chemical in the form of cigarette smoke. Oxygen is an essential nutrient in the healing process of the tissues of the back and must be present in order to achieve a full recovery.
Smokers also expose themselves to nicotine found in cigarettes.
Nicotine is known to cause thickening of the walls of the blood vessels. This thickening contributes to restricted blood flow through the large and small blood vessels of the lower back and increases the amount of time for healing and recovery if you have a back injury. Smoking and your spine Discs do not have a direct blood supply and depend upon the movement of the body to push oxygen and nutrients to them. If discs do not get their needed nutrients, they can eventually develop cracks which can eventually lead to ruptures. Because of the decreased nutrition and blood supply to all parts of the body, smokers have a greater than average risk of fracturing their hips, wrist and spine.