Nicotine prevents diffusion of nutrients through small blood vessels throughout the body. During the time of recovery post-surgery, this process is necessary for healing surgical wounds and preventing infection. Jared Crasto, MD, spine surgeon at The Christ Hospital Health Network, says due to the adverse effects of smoking and nicotine on spine fusion surgery; many surgeons will not perform elective spine fusion surgery if a patient is smoking.
“In spine surgery- especially spine fusion surgery, nicotine use has been linked to increased risk for surgical site infection and failure of fusion,” said Dr. Crasto. “If the goal of surgery is fusing the spine together and a nonunion occurs (failure of fusion), then the patient could have recurrence of symptoms, requiring a second, and often times, larger surgery.”
Chronic back pain carries additional risks for smokers and nicotine users looking for symptom relief. Dr. Crasto says that it takes nicotine users longer to recover from back problems even if they are treated without surgery. That can lead to higher doses of prescription drugs to control pain.
“Smokers and nicotine users, in general, have higher incidence of back pain,” said Dr. Crasto. “They also have an advanced rate of osteoporosis and are more likely to suffer from degenerative disc disease, herniated discs and other traumatic spine injuries compared to nonsmokers.”
Dr. Crasto says the best way to lower your risk is to quit smoking. The Christ Hospital Health Network has free resources to help patients quit the nicotine habit for good.
About The Christ Hospital Health Network
The Christ Hospital Health Network consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For more than 130 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up for more than 1,300 physicians and more than 6,500 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outcomes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 hospital in the Cincinnati Region and named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list in 2024. It is also a Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award recipient, which recognizes top-performing healthcare organizations that achieve the 95th percentile or above of performance in patient experience.
Soon-To-Be-Dad, Sam Hubbard, has gifts for Newborns and Dads at The Christ HospitalFather’s Day is here and The Christ Hospital Health Network has partnered with the Sam Hubbard Foundation to surprise some new dads.
The Christ Hospital Recognized in Caring for People Living with DiabetesThe Leapfrog Group and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) announced that The Christ Hospital Health Network has received national designation as a Recognized Leader in Caring for People Living with Diabetes. The Christ Hospital is one of just 37 hospitals in the United States and only system in Ohio earning this recognition for a strong commitment to the safety and well-being of hospitalized people living with diabetes.
First NEOMED Students Arrive for Orientation at The Christ Hospital Health NetworkThe Christ Hospital Health Network announced in November 2025 a groundbreaking partnership with Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) establishing pathways for future generations of physicians to train for a medical career in Ohio.
The Christ Hospital Health Network to Host Free Webinar on Comprehensive Spine CareOn Tuesday, June 23 at Noon, healthcare providers at The Christ Hospital Health Network will host a free online webinar titled “Conversations for Confidence: Expert Answers on Comprehensive Spine Care.”
The Christ Hospital Health Network Named One of America’s Best Hospitals for Specialized CareThe Christ Hospital Health Network has been named to America’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026 list by Newsweek. The network was featured for its cardiac, cancer, endocrine, Gastrointestinal, orthopedic and pulmonary care. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
Mental Health at the Forefront in Primary Care at The Christ Hospital Health NetworkIn the United States, 1 in 5 U.S. Adults experience a metal health condition each year while more than half of them do not receive treatment. That’s why The Christ Hospital Health Network is making mental health a priority for patients.
The Christ Hospital Health Network Gives Back to Team Members with Health FairTo promote team member well-being, The Christ Hospital Health Network will host its fourth annual Health & Wellbeing Fair at the Mt. Auburn location on Thursday, May 21 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Christ Hospital Liberty Township Birthing Center Now a Breast Milk Dispensary as Part of OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk BankThe Liberty Birthing Center, in partnership with the Ohio Milk Bank, is now a Breast Milk Dispensary. Mothers with babies that need pasteurized donor breast milk as a bridge until their own milk comes in can now purchase pasteurized donor milk.