What kinds of back problems can qualify you for disability?

Back pain is a part of life. Some experts believe that up to 80% of people will experience some form of back pain at some point in their lives. But if you suffer from intense, constant and debilitating back pain, it’s a different story. Some forms of back pain are so severe that they prevent someone from working and living a normal life. If you suffer from back pain caused by one of these conditions, you may qualify for short-term or even long-term disability claims and benefits.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which your back muscles place inordinate pressure on your spine, which compresses the nerves in your spinal cord. Spinal stenosis often worsens over time. If you have this condition, it could eventually lead to extreme discomfort in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control and even paralysis. This is why cases of spinal stenosis often qualify for disability claims and benefits.

Spondylolisthesis

Your spine is made up of dozens of individual bones, called vertebrae. Sinews hold these vertebrae loosely together, and they can flex and move – which is what allows you to bend your back.

However, sometimes an accident, overuse or some other condition can shift one of these vertebrae too far out of place. When this happens, the bones pinch the nerves in your spine. This results in extreme pain, and the condition can get worse without surgical treatment.

If you have a debilitating back condition, it can affect every aspect of your daily life. But it may qualify you for disability claims and benefits, which can go a long way towards helping you to be able to live a fulfilling life despite your condition.