Smoking is a terrible habit to have because it is very unhealthy for your body and spine. Smoking accelerates spondylosis, a condition that causes wear on cartilage and bones, which can then lead to inflammation and pain. Smoking can also lead to intervertebral disc disease which is when one or more of the discs that separate the bones of the spine degenerates. Smoking can be even worse for your spine if you do it after back surgery. Smoking affects your bones healing and the success rate of spinal surgery. If you’re having trouble quitting smoking, contact Spine Docs today.