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Contents, information and news will be updated on this blog to provide quit smoking help and support to anybody wanting to quitting smoking.
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So what is quit smoking naturally really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about quit smoking naturally–info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.
The best time to learn about quit smoking naturally is before you’re in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable quit smoking naturally experience while it’s still free.
There are many paths to a smoke-free living. You can use aids like patches, gum, or drugs like Zyban to help get over the physical addiction to nicotine. You may decide to quit cold turkey and suffer the withdrawal symptoms, or you may gradually cut down on your cigarette habit.
As an alternative to nicotine substitutes, you can treat the challenge of quitting the habit as an opportunity to make changes in your lifestyle for the better. At the end of the process you will not only be a smoke-free, you will have also gained new eating habits and lifestyle changes for healthier living.
Making changes to your lifestyle and eating habits is a big challenge, and requires a certain level of dedication. You will find, however, that eating healthier and living healthier also makes it easier to quit smoking. You will also develop strategies for dealing with nicotine withdrawal.
Since we are talking about several changes to your style of living, it’s a good idea to take at least a week or two off your regular routine to make the changes. If you can take some time off work and get away from your regular schedule you will be exposed to fewer situations which you associate with smoking. You can also take the time to recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
A regular exercise routine is an essential part of healthy living. If you have not exercised previously, build up to it gradually. Rather than starting on an ambitious two-mile jog every morning, begin by going for long walks. As your stamina increases and your health improves you can add more vigorous activities to your exercise routine.
Healthy eating is also very important for regaining the health that may have been lost from your smoking habit. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits and cut down on fatty meats and foods high in saturated fats like fast food and desserts. Eating good-quality food can help eliminate toxins from the body faster which makes it easier to overcome your nicotine habit.
You are likely to experience symptoms from nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine is a powerful drug that affects many parts of the body but particularly the brain. Smokers become accustomed to the regular stimulation that nicotine provides, and may feel sluggish and inattentive when it is deprived. Rather than depending on nicotine substitutes to overcome the symptoms, simply take short naps whenever you feel drained.
Another symptom of nicotine withdrawal is irritability. Whenever you feel this way or are craving a cigarette, go for a brisk walk. This helps clear your mind and overcome the desire for nicotine.
You may also find that your mouth and throat feel dry or that you develop a cough or postnasal drip. This is caused by the body ridding itself of excess mucus produced because of exposure to smoke. To overcome these symptoms drink plenty of juice and water or suck on lozenges.
Cutting down on caffeine should be part of your new healthy lifestyle. There is no need to eliminate caffeine completely, but it is particularly important to avoid it after six pm. Nicotine withdrawal can cause insomnia and you do not want exasperate that by stimulating yourself with too much caffeine.
It is important to find natural ways to relax. Many people are tempted to smoke when exposed to stressful situations.
It is far healthier to learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing. Nicotine withdrawal may also cause headaches which can be relieved by hot baths or gentle body movements like rolling the head.
All of these techniques are extremely helpful in overcoming the cigarette habit but they are also useful for maintaining good health. Make them part of your regular lifestyle and you will feel better, look better, and have a healthier outlook on life.
The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you’ll be glad you took the time to learn more about quit smoking naturally.
Would you like to find out what those-in-the-know have to say about quit smoking help and support? The information in the article below comes straight from well-informed experts with special knowledge about quit smoking help and support.
The more authentic information about quit smoking help and support you know, the more likely people are to consider you a quit smoking help and support expert. Read on for even more quit smoking help and support facts that you can share.
Smoking is strange behavior. Almost every smoker knows that it’s bad for his health, but many smokers continue the habit for decades, each year experiencing a further decline in health and well-being. Looked at rationally, smoking is quite disgusting. It stains the teeth and the fingers, causes bad breath, and creates an unpleasant environment for non-smokers.It must be pleasurable, though, otherwise nobody would put up with the negative side of smoking. Most smokers admit that they enjoy cigarettes, and those that have managed to quit often feel that they have lost an old friend.
Tobacco is an addictive substance so it’s understandable that people find it hard to quit. Less understandable is what motivates people to take their first cigarette. What is behind that decision to start smoking?Many people start smoking when they are teenagers. The desire to fit in and be one of the ‘crowd’ is particularly strong during adolescence. Of course, this desire is also present in adults and can be a motivating factor behind much human behavior. Many teenagers begin smoking because they want to be cool.
If their friends smoke there’s a lot of subtle (and not-so-subtle) pressure to take up the habit.Young people may also feel that smoking makes them ‘grown up’ or it may be a form of rebellion against their parents and teachers. Most young people are already aware of the dangers of smoking so lecturing them about how they are harming their health can be futile.Appealing advertising is also a big motivator in the desire to take up smoking.
Tobacco ads usually depict young healthy active people taking part in fun group activities. The message is clear — Smoke X brand and you can have this much fun too.Adults are just as susceptible to popular images surrounding smoking. They are usually self-aware enough to know that smoking will not be the deciding factor behind social acceptance, but there is still the powerful image of the smoker as the rebel — cool and independent.
This can be alluring for some young adults, especially those who see themselves as being on the fringe.Perhaps certain individuals are more drawn to smoking than others. There is evidence that people with a long-term outlook on life are less likely to start smoking because they know that smoking will shorten their life span and cause future health problems. On the contrary, those with shorter outlooks are more likely to smoke.
Other people turn to smoking because they are looking for a way to relieve stress. Even though tobacco is ineffective for handling stress in the long run, it does provide short-term relief. Those who have stressful jobs or who are in difficult life situations may decide to take up smoking.Most smokers will come to a point in life where they want to quit. They may face increasing health problems and finally come to the decision to give up the habit. Unfortunately, the addictive nature of tobacco makes this a difficult task.
The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you’ll be glad you took the time to learn more about quit smoking help and support.
So what is quit smoking help really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about quit smoking help–info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.
If your quit smoking help facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don’t let important quit smoking help information slip by you.
One of the therapies for quitting smoking is the use of a drug called Zyban. The generic name of Zyban is buproprion hydrochloride and also goes under the names Wellbutrin or Wellbutrin SR. Originally used as an antidepressant, it was observed that people taking the drug lost interest in cigarettes and gave up the habit quite easily. It has been available as a smoking treatment since 1998.
The reason Zyban is effective is not clearly understood. It seems to affect brain chemistry which makes patients feel energized and gives them a sense of well-being. It is equally useful for helping depressed and non-depressed patients quit smoking.
Patients start taking Zyban while they are still smoking. The quit date is set for 7 days later, and the drug is continued for another 7 to 10 weeks after that. Patients report that symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are minimized. Studies have shown that success rates of Zyban are about twice that of placebos.
Although the manufacturer reports that Zyban can be used safely for long periods of time, if the smoker hasn’t made significant changes in his smoking habits by the end of 10 weeks it is unlikely that continued use of Zyban will be helpful. Zyban treatment is like any other method for quitting smoking — in order to be effective the desire to quit has to come from within. Those who really don’t want to stop smoking will find ways to sabotage any quitting plan.
People taking Zyban may suffer from a few side effects. The most commonly reported ones are insomnia and a dry mouth. Those with a history of seizures, eating disorders, and cirrhosis of the liver are advised not to take the drug.
Compared with Patches
Zyban is one way to overcome nicotine withdrawal, but there are other methods available. One of the most popular is the nicotine patch — a square patch that sticks to the skin and releases small doses of nicotine throughout the day. Patches allow the body to get the nicotine it craves without suffering the ill effects of smoking.
Zyban works a little bit differently than nicotine substitutes because it is not providing nicotine to the body. Rather, the feeling of well-being it provides, allows the smoker to give up the habit with relatively little difficulty and is equally effective for behavioural modification as it is for physical dependency on nicotine.
People using patches, on the other hand, may still feel the desire to smoke in certain situations because of ingrained associations with smoking. For example, some people associate smoking with going to the pub — this is simply a habit which must be overcome.
Patches can help eliminate the cravings associated with smoking, but they have to be used with a little bit of care. They can be worn throughout the day, but should be removed at night. Otherwise, they may cause insomnia or strange dreams.
The skin where the patch is applied may become red and itchy. These symptoms usually disappear within an hour after the patch is removed but can cause discomfort during the day.
Patches (as well as other nicotine substitutes like gum) are available in various strengths and so can be used to gradually wean the body from its nicotine dependence. Those with a strong desire to quit smoking may find that nicotine substitutes allow them to concentrate on the behavioural changes needed to rid themselves of dependency on tobacco.
Zyban is also effective for overcoming nicotine dependence. Once treatment stops, however, the desire to smoke in certain situations may still be present.
Both Zyban and nicotine substitutes are more effective when used in conjunction with some kind of counselling or therapy. A smoker should also enlist the help of family and friends to overcome his habit.
This article’s coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.
The following article lists some simple, informative tips that will help you have a better experience with ways to quit smoking.
There is no doubt that smoking is addictive. It doesn’t seem to affect everybody the same way though. Some people have great difficulty quitting smoking, while others give it up with almost no effort.
Nicotine is the addictive substance of tobacco. It gets absorbed into the bloodstream where it affects brain chemistry which alters mood and focus. Because of the large surface area of the lungs, smokers receive a big “hit” of nicotine with every puff they take. Since nicotine is absorbed directly into the bloodstream the brain receives an almost instantaneous dose with every puff of a cigarette.
Nicotine primarily affects the mid-brain — the part of the brain that controls moods and emotions. It produces pleasurable sensations but also causes anxiety and cravings when accustomed doses are withheld. A nicotine substitute such as a patch or chewing gum can help alleviate these negative feelings.
Because of the immediate stimulation to the brain, smoking behavior is reinforced. When smokers try to quit, they have to overcome both the physical addiction to nicotine and the association they have made between smoking and the pleasurable sensations it produces.
Besides the physical addiction, there are also strong behavioral and social links to smoking. Certain situations (such as the end of a meal or going to a pub) become so associated with smoking that smokers reach for a cigarette without even thinking about it. Smokers may also crave cigarettes during times of stress.
You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about ways to quit smoking. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?
The fact remains, however, that some people become more addicted to nicotine than others. The reason for this may be genetic. It seems that some people metabolize nicotine more slowly than others and this makes them less likely to become addicted to the substance. There is a particular enzyme that is present in the liver which is responsible for breaking down nicotine. People who have a genetic defect related to the production of this enzyme are less likely to smoke, and if they do smoke, they smoke fewer cigarettes than people with the normal enzyme.
There could also be genetic reasons related to behavior that may be linked to smoking addiction. Reaction to stress can be genetically determined, and it seems that stress relief is one of the major reasons that people smoke.
People who are addicted to smoking must take heart in the knowledge that it is possible to quit. Although some find it more difficult than others, there are many resources available to those who wish to give up the habit. If someone needs help to give up nicotine, they can have access to medical treatments and counseling. It is more than just the physical addiction to nicotine that they have to give up. All of the behavioral associations that have been developed over the years also need to be overcome.
As with any other addictive substance, the longer nicotine has been used the more difficult it is to give it up. Young adults who have only been smoking for a few years may find it easier to quit than a middle-aged person who has been smoking for 20 years. On the other hand, a middle-age smoker is more likely to be aware of the negative health effects of smoking and this may give him more motivation to break the habit.
It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest ways to quit smoking. Compare what you’ve learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of ways to quit smoking.
So what is quit smoking aid really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about quit smoking aid–info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.
Almost everybody knows that smoking is bad for the health. Images of blackened lungs line school hallways and hospital waiting rooms, but despite this people continue to take up smoking. This may have to do with the pervasive romantic image of smoking — an image that has nothing in common with reality.
There are many ways to take tobacco. You can chew it, inhale it through the nose, and smoke it in the form of cigars or cigarettes. No matter how it’s taken it is dangerous, but because smoking is the most popular way to consume tobacco it has also received the greatest attention from the medical field and the media.
When a smoker inhales a puff of cigarette smoke the large surface area of the lungs allows nicotine to pass into the blood stream almost immediately. It is this nicotine “hit” that smokers crave, but there is a lot more to smoke than just nicotine. In fact, there are more than 4000 chemical substances that make up cigarette smoke and many of them are toxic.
Cigarette smoke is composed of 43 carcinogenic substances and more than 400 other toxins that can also be found in wood varnish, nail polish remover, and rat poison. All of these substances accumulate in the body and can cause serious problems to the heart and lungs.
Cancer is the most common disease associated with smoking. Smoking is the cause of 90% of lung cancer cases and is related to 30% of all cancer fatalities. Other smoking-related cancers include cancers of the mouth, pancreas, urinary bladder, kidney, stomach, esophagus, and larynx.
Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about quit smoking aid? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?
Besides cancer, smoking is also related to several other diseases of the lungs. Emphysema and bronchitis can be fatal and 75% of all deaths from these diseases are linked to smoking.
Smokers have shorter lives than non-smokers. On average, smoking takes 15 years off your life span. This can be explained by the high rate of exposure to toxic substances which are found in cigarette smoke.
Smokers also put others at risk. The dangers of breathing in second-hand smoke are well known. Smokers harm their loved ones by exposing them to the smoke they exhale. All sorts of health problems are related to breathing in second-hand smoke. Children are especially susceptible to the dangers of second-hand smoke because their internal organs are still developing. Children exposed to second-hand smoke are more vulnerable to asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, bronchitis, pneumonia, and ear infections.Smoking can also be dangerous for unborn children.
Mothers who smoke are more likely to suffer from miscarriages, bleeding and nausea, and babies of smoking mothers have reduced birth weights or may be premature. These babies are more susceptible to sudden infant death syndrome and may also have lifelong health complications due to chest infections and asthma.
It is never too late to give up smoking, even those who have smoked for 20 years or more can realize tremendous health benefits from giving up the habit.
It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on quit smoking aid. Compare what you’ve learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of quit smoking aid.
This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding quit smoking aid,and nicotine withdrawal symptoms. A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about quit smoking aid, and nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
When people try to give up smoking they will experience both psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms. The psychological symptoms are related to the habit of smoking and the things that are normally done while smoking like drinking coffee or talking with friends.
Like any bad habit, the smoking habit can be replaced with healthier behaviours, but the physical withdrawal from nicotine may be more difficult to handle.
Nicotine is a powerful drug related to cocaine and morphine. There is evidence that nicotine may be even more addictive than these drugs — the one-year success rate for heroin withdrawal is more than double that of nicotine withdrawal.
Nicotine affects the neurotransmitters of the brain. The brain becomes accustomed to receiving this kind of stimulation and sends out strong signals of craving when deprived of nicotine. A person trying to quit smoking will experience all kinds of withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, inability to concentrate, insomnia and fatigue.
Symptoms are stronger in people who have been smoking longer, and people will often have a greater urge to smoke in places and situations where they are accustomed to smoking.
The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can be alleviated with nicotine substitutes such as gum or patches. This can help overcome the habit of smoking and it may be easier to cut down on these kinds of secondary nicotine sources than it is by quitting smoking cold turkey.
Some types of drugs (particularly antidepressants) can also be used to help lessen the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms will change over time. They will start as a strong craving for cigarettes. As you continue to deny your body nicotine, you may become irritable and have difficulty concentrating. The brain has become accustomed to working under the influence of this nicotine and may not function up to par when denied this stimulation.
Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there’s more to quit smoking aid than you may have first thought.
Because the brain is not receiving stimulation from nicotine, you may also feel tired and lack energy. Ironically you may also have difficulty sleeping — insomnia is a common complaint among people who are trying to quit smoking and will add to your daytime fatigue.
Constipation can also be a problem related to nicotine withdrawal. The digestive system is sensitive to nicotine in the bloodstream. Many smokers are familiar with the sensation of needing to use the bathroom after having a cigarette. The digestive system can become dependent on the stimulation, and when it is removed, the result can be constipation.
Other symptoms related to the mouth, throat, and lungs are also quite common. You may develop a dry mouth and a sore throat and cough, and the tongue and gums may become tender and sore.
Not all people trying to quit smoking experience all of these symptoms, and some may experience certain symptoms more strongly than others. It is important to remember that all the symptoms will pass as long as you refrain from smoking.
The urge to smoke will come in waves, and if you can resist each wave in turn, the urges become less frequent and less severe. Each time that you feel a desire to smoke, try to find some kind of distraction. Doing a bit of exercise when the urge to smoke strikes has two benefits — your mind is distracted and your health is improved.
Even after you have overcome all of the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, the psychological urge to smoke may remain for months or even years. Cravings may be stronger in situations where you have been accustomed to smoke like parties or pubs. This is due more to behavioural conditioning than actual physical dependence on nicotine.
There will come a day, however, when you will not feel the need to smoke. With time these days will become more frequent until finally the desire to smoke has been completely overcome.
Now you can bring something to the table next time you join a discussion on quit smoking aid, and nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
This article explains a few things about nicotine gum, and if you’re interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don’t know.
Now that we’ve covered those aspects of nicotine gum, let’s turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.
Nicotine is the addictive substance of tobacco, and smokers become accustomed to the stimulation that nicotine provides. When smokers try to quit, the cravings that they feel are mostly due to nicotine withdrawal. A Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can help overcome these cravings for nicotine.
Some of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include irritability, inability to concentrate, drowsiness, insomnia, and dry cough. An NRT like nicotine gum reduces these symptoms and allows the user to gradually cut down on the amount of nicotine his system needs to function normally. At the same time, his exposure to all of the other toxic substances in cigarette smoke is eliminated.
Of the many NRTs available, one of the most popular and easy to use is nicotine gum. Unlike patches, nicotine gum allows the user to control when and how much nicotine goes into his system. As an added benefit, it provides an oral replacement for those who need to overcome the habit of having a cigarette in their mouth.
Nicotine gum is available in different strengths.
Heavy smokers are advised to start off with gum which has a relatively high amount of nicotine — 4 mg. As dependence on nicotine is reduced, the strength of the gum can also be reduced to 2 mg. Most manufacturers offer gum in these two strengths.
The gum can be taken at certain intervals during the day to maintain a constant level of nicotine in the bloodstream, or it can be taken only when there is a craving for cigarettes. The gum is usually taken at regular intervals at the beginning of the therapy and then gradually reduced over a period of weeks.
It is advisable to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using nicotine gum. They can offer guidelines about how to use the gum and the length of time the therapy should continue. Using nicotine gum in combination with certain medications may be contraindicated, so it is especially important to consult with your doctor if you are on any other kind of drug therapy.
Nicotine gum is used differently from regular gum. It should not be chewed continuously, but rather only until you feel a slight tingling in your mouth. When this happens, stop chewing and put the gum between your teeth and your cheek for about one minute until the tingling stops, and then again resume chewing slowly. Repeat this cycle for about 30 minutes or until there is no more taste left in the gum.
Gradually reduce the amount of gum you are using over a period of about three months. By this time, you should be taking no more than two or three pieces of nicotine gum a day. Do not continue using the gum for longer than three months.
Most people can use nicotine gum without experiencing any side effects, but adverse reactions sometimes occur.
It is possible that the gum may bring on headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, and soreness in the mouth. If these conditions persist consult with your doctor. More severe side effects include seizures and difficulty breathing. If this happens, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Thousands of people have found NRT to be an effective aid to quitting smoking. The nicotine replacement method you decide on is a personal preference, but chewing gum has the advantage of being easy to use and providing doses of nicotine when it is most needed.
Manufacturers of nicotine gum include Nicorette and Rite Aid.
Of course, it’s impossible to put everything about nicotine gum into just one article. But you can’t deny that you’ve just added to your understanding about nicotine gum, and that’s time well spent.
This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding about how to quit smoking. A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about how to quit smoking.
During the quitting process the urge to smoke will be very strong. At some point, many people succumb to those urges. In fact, most people will have lapses or relapses on the road to smoke-free lives.
Rather than viewing these lapses as failures, it is better to view them as learning opportunities to understand why we slipped and how we can prevent it from happening again.
Lapses can happen any time. It could happen days or months after making the decision to quit. They are often triggered by stressful situations or by placing yourself in a situation which you associate with smoking. You may say to yourself, “Oh, it’s just a few puffs”, or “Just this one time.” That “one time” could lead into a full-blown relapse.
All is not lost, however. Nearly every former smoker went through similar episodes as they tried to quit the habit. Each time you again resolve to give up smoking you are approaching the task with greater determination and knowledge about what lies ahead.
Dealing with Lapses
If you find yourself smoking again, simply stop! Some people pick up a cigarette without even thinking about it. Even if you are in the middle of a puff, put the cigarette out and throw it away. If you have bought a pack of cigarettes, don’t even think about finishing it. Put them in the garbage. If you are smoking because you are sitting with other smokers, excuse yourself and leave.
Go for a walk and get some fresh air. Let your mind clear and use the opportunity to assess what made you pick up a cigarette. Remind yourself of all the reasons why you have decided to quit smoking and re-establish their importance in your mind.
Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there’s more to how to quit smoking than you may have first thought.
Try to talk to a friend or family member who can offer moral support in your effort to quit smoking. Be upfront about your lapse and ask for their opinion on how to prevent it from happening again. Above all, do not let yourself get down. View the lapse as an opportunity to plan strategies for similar situations.
It is important to critically examine the situation which caused the lapse. Who were you with? What were you doing? How did that cigarette make you feel? The answers can help you reassess your desire to quit smoking and strengthen your resolve to overcome the desire to smoke in similar situations.
Getting Back on Track
To overcome the lapse or relapse, you must renew your vow to quit smoking. Think of all the reasons that made you come to that decision in the first place — they are just as valid after a relapse as before, perhaps even more so. Recognize the progress you have made so far. After all, you may have gone several days or even months without having a cigarette. That is no mean feat.
If your lapse has been for several days, you may need a nicotine substitute like gum or a patch to tide you over. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or counsellor about what has happened and ask for their advice.
Above all, don’t dwell on this temporary failure. Recognize it as one step along the path to a smoke-free future.
Now you can understand why there’s a growing interest in how to quit smoking. When people start looking for more information about how to quit smoking, you’ll be in a position to meet their needs.
Spinal disc transplant ‘success’
Doctors in China have carried out the world’s first spinal disc transplants on five patients, a study says.
The discs were placed in the necks of four men and a woman by a University of Hong Kong-led team.
They were taken, with the consent of relatives, from the spines of three young female donors who had died suddenly as a result of trauma.
Five years on, the patients are doing well, with improved mobility and no immune problems, says the Lancet.
The surgeons said refinements of the procedure may provide an alternative to standard therapies.
But they said it would be hard to replicate the technique for spinal discs in the more complex area of the lower back – the most common source of problems.
Removing damaged discs and fusing adjacent vertebrae together is regarded as the “gold standard” treatment.
However, it results in limited movement and may accelerate degeneration elsewhere.
Artificial discs have shown success, but may produce serious complications in the neck region.
Vertebral discs are the spine’s shock absorbers. The flat capsules, about an inch in diameter and a quarter-of-an-inch thick, fit tightly between the bones of the spinal column.
Under stress, a disc’s inner material may swell, pushing through the tough outer membrane onto surrounding nerves and causing pain, which can be excruciating.
In severe cases, a ruptured or torn membrane may result in irreversible damage.
Problems
Disc problems can result from violent injury, or the strain caused by everyday activities and accidents, such as lifting heavy objects the wrong way or slipping on ice. Normal ageing can also lead to disc degeneration.
Transplantation has never been successfully carried out on humans until now.
The discs were removed from the donors within two hours of death and frozen in preservative chemicals before being transferred to the patients.
Professor Keith Luk, who led the team, said: “With further improvements in the areas of graft preservation and surgical techniques, disc transplantation could be indicated in degenerative disc disease.
“But he said to extend the technique to the lower spine, which is more complex, would be a “challenge”.
In an accompanying comment article, doctors Wafa Skalli and Jean Dubousset, from the ENSAM-CNRS research institute in Paris, said the transplants could open a “new dimension” in the treatment of degenerative disc disease.
They added: “Disc transplantation could be an attractive alternative both for fusion and artificial disc replacement… This new approach could be of particular interest for younger patients for whom prevention of adjacent-level degeneration is important.”
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