Smoking and Chronic Pain
From WikiMSK
The rate of smoking in those with chronic pain is higher than the general population at around 28% in one US study (no NZ data found). Smokers have higher pain intensities, number of painful areas, levels of disability, and opioid use to nonsmokers. [1]
Opioid Use
Not only is opioid use more common in smokers compared to non-smokers, there is also an increased quantity of opioid use per individual. This association holds when controlling for confounding factors. It is also more difficult for smokers who use opioids to quite smoking. The analgesic effect of opioids is enhanced by supraspinal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.[1]
