Smoking Cessation
Tobacco abusers’ number 70 million Americans and presently it is the leading preventable cause of death. Cigarette smoking is linked to lung cancers and lung diseases and results in twice the death rate from these diseases as non-smokers. It is the nicotine in tobacco products that is highly addictive, but there is now research questioning the addictive properties of other chemicals in both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.Nicotine is harmful to every organ in the body. It is readily absorbed, especially when smoked and results in a "kick" of adrenaline and suppression of the craving an addicted person feels. This nicotine high only lasts for a few minutes, therefore the cycle continues for the addicted tobacco abuser. When a person attempts to quit, many go through a period of withdraw. Withdraw symptoms can include irritability, cravings, sleep problems, decreased attention and increased appetite. Thus, like any drug, it is very difficult, but not impossible to quit.
There are several different treatment options for tobacco addiction. Nicotine replacement gums and patches are available, to help slowly wean nicotine exposure. Zyban, which has been FDA approved since 1997, has helped people to quit. One of the newer medications on the market is Chantix, which has been successful for many patients. This drug helps to limit the withdraw symptoms experienced. As with any medication, there are potential side effects that should be discussed with your primary care physician and pharmacist.
We, at The Taylor Spine Team, consider nicotine to be a very detrimental drug to the user and those in contact with second-hand smoke, especially children. The use and abuse of nicotine in any form, whether it is smoking or chewing interferes with the success of the spine surgeries we perform and negatively impacts the surgical outcome. Nicotine can impede or harm or inhibit the ability of your wound to heal after surgery. As well, nicotine will inhibit or harm or impede the body’s ability for bones to fuse after a spinal operation. We request that you discontinue the use of nicotine prior to and during your recovery from your spinal surgery. This request will be in writing and we will ask that you contract with us your understanding and agreement with this contract prior to proceeding with surgery. You will also agree to have routine laboratory studies to assess your compliance with nicotine cessation. If you have additional questions about this policy please discuss them with the Taylor Spine Team prior to agreeing to a surgical intervention. We strongly encourage any patient to work with their primary care physician and their families to quit both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco before considering any surgical intervention. For additional information on the harmful effects of tobacco, please refer to www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReport/Nicotine/Nicotine.html
The material of this Web Site is for general education only and is not meant to replace an evaluation by a healthcare provider. This site is not meant as a method to practice medicine, provide medical services or advice. You should always talk to your health care professional.