SHILLONG: In a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of tobacco, doctors at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) have issued a public health warning, connecting smoking directly to a significantly higher risk of developing a slipped disc. The cautionary tale comes on the heels of a complex surgical procedure performed on a patient suffering from recurrent lumbar disc herniation, highlighting the insidious way cigarette smoke can compromise the very foundation of our bodies.
The intricate surgery, led by the skilled hands of surgeon Dr Bhaskar Borgohain, involved a team that successfully performed a tubular microdiscectomy. The patient, who had been admitted with a recurring spinal issue, found relief after the minimally invasive procedure successfully alleviated pressure on the S1 nerve root. What the surgical team discovered, however, was particularly telling. Four large fragments of the ruptured disc were carefully removed, a clear indication of the severe damage sustained by the spinal structure.
According to Dr Borgohain, the connection is not a coincidence. He explained that a growing body of research points to smoking as a major risk factor for slipped discs. The culprit, he said, is the toxic cocktail of hydrocarbons found in cigarette smoke. These harmful chemicals wreak havoc on the collagen fibres that form the outer, protective ring of the spinal discs. The resulting damage, he added, compromises the structural integrity of the discs, making them far more susceptible to rupture or herniation, especially in the sensitive lower back region.
With a clear message, the medical fraternity at NEIGRIHMS is urging the public to consider the far-reaching consequences of smoking beyond the well-known risks to the lungs and heart. They stress that giving up cigarettes is not just a matter of improving respiratory and cardiovascular health, but also a critical step towards safeguarding one’s entire musculoskeletal system and ensuring a healthier, pain-free life.
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