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Is there any evidence that smoking causes fibromyalgia?
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A large study at Mayo Clinic polled over 1,000 patients with fibromyalgia. Only about 15 per cent were smokers. If tobacco use were a risk factor for developing fibromyalgia, a larger portion of the group would be expected to be smokers.
On the other hand, there's no evidence one way or the other that exposure to tobacco products (as a user or from second hand smoke) is a risk factor for fibromyalgia. Some other studies have linked back pain with smoking. But even this association isn't consistent. There are studies with equally conflicting results showing no link between tobacco use and back pain.
In that same Mayo Clinic study, smokers with fibromyalgia had more intense pain but not more tender points. The tender points are the hallmark finding that is diagnostic of fibromyalgia. More studies are really needed to evaluate the relationship between tobacco use and fibromyalgia. For example, do smokers (or tobacco users) respond to treatment for fibromyalgia differently than nonsmokers (faster? with different treatment?)? Do smokers with fibromyalgia have a harder time quitting smoking (or quitting using tobacco)?
For now, we know that tobacco use is linked with worse symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. It is always advised that patients should quit smoking. Patients with fibromyalgia should be encouraged to enter a tobacco-cessation program not only to reduce pain but also for their overall better health.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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