This CPD Bite explores the link between tobacco use and pain, highlighting evidence that smoking can worsen acute and chronic pain and affect pain management outcomes. It explains key mechanisms such as inflammation, vascular changes, and neurological effects, and identifies groups most affected, including people with chronic pain, older adults, and surgical patients. The episode reinforces the pharmacist’s role in recognising this connection, initiating brief interventions for tobacco cessation, and supporting patients with practical, person-centred advice in everyday practice.
Episode 3: Linking tobacco use and pain. Evidence and pharmacy practice
