Can back problems become disabling?

A sore neck, lower back pain or back stiffness can all be early signs of an underlying spinal disorder. This can prove not only harmful to your health but can cause a multitude of struggles in your everyday life. Over time, additional conditions could develop such as chronic pain or muscle spasms.

You might qualify for short-term disability (STD) or long-term disability (LTD) if you find yourself suffering from a spinal disorder.

Types of spinal disorders you could have

There are many types of back problems that can affect your life. It is often the case these disorders affect your work, your lifestyle and your overall ability to function. Here are just a few of the most common back-related disorders that people find disabling:

• Ankylosing spondylitis: This is a nasty inflammatory disease that can cause the spine to be less flexible by merging your vertebrae together. You might have noticed early signs of ankylosing spondylitis by stiff or sharp pains in your lower back. This disease can even lead to heart problems down the road.
• Herniated disk: A herniated disk can be sudden and unexpected. They easily occur by putting too much tension in your back when lifting heavy objects. You could experience weakness or numbness in your arms, legs or back that prevent fluid movement.
• Spine curvature: It is important that your spine runs straight down the middle of your back. Otherwise, you might have one of three main spine curvature disorders: Lordosis, kyphosis and scoliosis all curve the spine, causing irregular growth, inflammation and arthritis.

It is best to talk to a doctor first if you’re afraid you might have a severe back illness. If you are affected by a debilitating back condition that affects your ability to earn a living, then you may want to seek experienced guidance that can help you obtain the long-term or short-term disability benefits you need.