Several studies have shown that smoking can have negative effects on your spine. Here are some of the ways that smoking affects your spine:

• Delays the healing process: Smoking can affect the healing process after you get spinal fusion surgery.
• Reduced blood flow: Smoking constricts your blood vessels which reduces the blood flow to your spine. If the blood flow to your spine is reduced, your spine won’t be getting the vitamins and nutrients it needs. 
• Increased risk of degenerative disc disease: Smoking can increase your risk for degenerative disc disease.