Smoking, Chronic Pain & Your Bottom Line

Smoking is a significant risk factor for developing chronic pain, with smokers experiencing greater pain intensity and a higher prevalence of chronic pain compared to non-smokers due to the way smoking:

??impairs blood flow

??damages tissues

??increases inflammation throughout the body

All of these things potentially impact conditions like back pain, arthritis, and neuropathic pain.?

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, contributing to chronic joint pain.?

Smoking can lead to peripheral neuropathy, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet.?

Reduced blood flow to the spine can accelerate degeneration of spinal discs, leading to back pain.?

Chronic pain can worsen existing mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which can be further exacerbated by smoking.?

Studies show that quitting smoking is associated with significant improvements in pain levels.

Helping employees quit smoking can significantly reduce healthcare, disability, and productivity costs linked to chronic pain conditions.?

By supporting employees in their journey to quit smoking, organizations can lower the prevalence and severity of these chronic pain conditions, leading to reduced healthcare claims and disability-related absences.

Improved pain management also enhances employee productivity, as those struggling with pain are less likely to experience presenteeism—being at work but unable to perform at their best.

Furthermore, employees who quit smoking often report improved energy levels and overall well-being, allowing them to engage more fully in their work and daily activities.

Investing in a staff Tobacco Treatment Specialist is not only a health initiative but also a strategic business decision that yields measurable savings and fosters a healthier, more resilient workforce.