Expert: Michael Dean - 5/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I am 23 years old. I have been done smoking for two months after smoking socially for three years. I usually never went out for a smoke break during work, but I would smoke with friends mostly every night. I sometimes smoked 1-5 per night, but other times I would smoke maybe 20 per night. It really varried.
After quitting, I have become quite a hypochondriac. I never really developed a cough. I thought I had blood in my phlegm one day and I freaked out, but I realized that I did not cough it up...it was in the snot in the back of my throat in the morning only.
Now I have some upper back pain. Sometimes it is painful and seems to radiate into my arm pits and shoulders. But then it went away. It came back for a few days. Now it is intermittent. I have heard of some others that have had some back pain when they quit smoking. Should I just keep an eye on this, or see a doctor. I had a regular physical two months ago (before the back pain) and the doctor checked the basics: heart, lung. Everything sounded normal. I keep telling myself that it is just from quitting and I shouldn't worry. The pain is not constant or crippling. I can't even feel it when I lay in bed. Perhaps it is just from sitting in a chair all day. Sound like anything I should freak out about?
Thanks.

ANSWER: Dear Paul,

First off it is great that you quit! That is the best thing you can do for your health.

I don't think the pain is anything to worry about. Perhaps you are not sleeping as well, or are stressed. Certainly if it gets worse or does not go away in 4-6 weeks I would go back to the doctor.

In the meantime try to think of all the positives in your life from quitting.

I hope this helps,

Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the help. My back really doesn't hurt throughout the day, but sometimes when I move there will be a pain that lasts for a second or so. I have felt similar pains on my right upper back, left upper back and low shoulder areas near arm pits. Some days there are barely any instances. Other days there are more. Sometimes it is worse in the morning.
Never a constant pain...just intermitent when I move. It also doesn't hurt more when I take a deep breath or go for a run. This has been off and on for about a month.

Do I sound okay? I feel fine otherwise.

Answer
Paul,

It does not sound serious. I think you are fine, and this will pass.

Sounds like nerve pain rather than muscle. I would keep up the exercise and if it gets worse or does not go away see a doctor.

Tylenol or ibuprofen ought to help.

Michael