Most people know that smoking is a major health risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease. In addition to these risks smoking can increase your risk of suffering back issues (and lower right back pain). Smoking blocks the body’s ability to deliver nutrients to the spinal discs. Smoking also increases the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones and can lead to fractures of the vertebrae (which are very painful). Smoking slows the healing process, prolonging lower right back pain. Also your average smoker is less fit than their non-smoking counterpart which is an additional risk factor (see the next item below).