NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is a state-of-the-art pain center with locations near you in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania.  Here, we explain how nicotine interferes with surgery recovery and why it’s so important to quit.
Key Takeaways
- Nicotine smoking interferes with surgery recovery, significantly increasing the risk of nonunion, infection, nerve damage, and other complications.
- Spinal fusion failure can have a far-reaching effect on a person’s lifestyle, economic stability, and relationships, and it is expensive to fix.
- Resources exist to make smoking cessation easier. Talk with your friends, family, and spine surgeon about getting help so you can quit smoking.
How Does Smoking Affect Spine Surgery?
It is well known that smoking has a negative effect on the lungs. Fewer people realize that its impact is even more widespread. Nicotine causes numerous complications with the musculoskeletal system as well, in ways that interfere with healing after surgery:
- Circulation: Nicotine reduces blood supply to bones, preventing healing tissue from receiving the oxygen and nutrients it needs to repair itself.
- Immune system: Nicotine impairs the immune system, limiting its response to invaders and making patients more susceptible to infection.
- Bone growth: Nicotine slows the production of osteoblasts, or bone-producing cells, so that they generate less new bone.
- Osteoporosis: Nicotine lowers calcium absorption, interrupting new bone growth and weakening the existing bone on either side of the fusion.
- Inflammation: Nicotine triggers inflammation, increasing post-surgical pain and swelling while potentially causing nerve compression.
These effects greatly increase the risk of nonunion, or fractured bone failing to heal completely. Nonunion occurs when the bone graft does not produce new bone to fuse the vertebrae, resulting in a weak connection or a totally failed fusion.
Nicotine smoking increases other complications during recovery as well. Patients who smoke before and after surgery are at greater risk of severe pain, infection, and nerve damage.
What Does Fusion Failure Mean?
Spinal fusion failure is often called failed back surgery syndrome. It occurs when complications during recovery, such as nonunion or infection, interfere with the long-term outcomes of spinal fusion. Patients experience continued pain, inflammation, and mobility problems at a site that should have been repaired. The impact on a patient’s life can be significant:
- Limited ability to engage with activities
- Inability to go back to work
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Bowel and bladder problems
- Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
Spine revision surgery is an option for patients struggling with the consequences of spinal fusion failure. However, a second surgery comes with challenges of its own. Not everyone is willing or able to undergo a second expensive procedure and lengthy recovery, especially after the first attempt did not provide relief. It is always better to avoid fusion failure in the first place.
When Should You Quit Smoking Before Fusion Surgery?
Patients should stop smoking at least four to six weeks before getting a spinal fusion. This timeline allows the nicotine to clear from their system before treatment. Ceasing smoking has clear benefits, as it clears the airways, improves blood oxygen levels, and significantly reduces the risk of complications during recovery by up to 50%.
Even if a person can’t manage the four- to six-week mark, every smoke-free day counts; even one day before surgery can lower the risk of complications. A week of smoke-free living increases the benefits further. In general, the earlier the patient can stop, the better their outcomes will be. After surgery, patients should try to remain smoke-free for at least four weeks. Once again, the longer people can go without nicotine, the better.
Support for Staying Smoke Free After Surgery
Spine surgeons understand that quitting smoking is difficult. Unfortunately, vapes and patches aren’t recommended. Even a small nicotine dose can interfere with fusion results. Other resources exist to help patients out, however.
Here are some tips that can make smoking cessation easier:
- Set a quit date
- Get the support of friends and family
- Stay physically active
- Get rid of all cigarettes and ashtrays
- Stock up on sugarless gum, hard candies, and other oral substitutes
- Talk to people who have successfully quit
Finally, patients should talk with their spine surgeon and care team about smoking. Their medical providers can connect them with support groups and other resources that can help.
Learn More About Spine Surgery Near You in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida
Spinal fusion can relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments at a state-of-the-art pain center with locations near you in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania. You can contact us today to learn more about smoking and spinal fusion failure or to make an appointment to discuss your care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoking and Spinal Fusion Failure
How does smoking increase the risk of spinal fusion failure?
Smoking increases the risk of spinal fusion failure by impairing healing, reducing new bone growth, and limiting the immune response to infections.
Does vaping or nicotine replacement also affect spinal fusion healing?
Yes, vaping and nicotine replacement also affect spinal fusion healing. Even small doses of nicotine can interfere with healing, although not as significantly as smoking.
How long before spinal fusion surgery should I quit smoking or nicotine?
You should quit smoking as early as possible, but four to six weeks before surgery is the medical recommendation. If you can’t manage a few weeks, then every smoke-free day helps.
How long should I avoid nicotine after fusion surgery?
You should avoid nicotine as long as possible after fusion surgery. If you must resume smoking, then try to wait at least four weeks to let your body heal.
What happens if a spinal fusion fails, and how is it treated?
If a spinal fusion fails, then NU-Spine offers revision spine surgery to correct the results. Keep in mind that smoking can interfere with revision surgery as well.