Exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood may increase the risk of developing back and neck problems in later life, says a new study. The research showed that adults who were exposed to tobacco smoke as children were more likely to take long term sick leave because of spinal pain.

One explanation, say the researchers, could be the effects of the smoke on the developing spine. “In several studies, smoking has been associated with the occurrence of spinal pain, mostly low back pain, but also neck pain and prolapsed cervical intervertebral discs,” says the report in the European Journal of Public Health (2004:14;296-300).

The study, …