Severe back pain is a symptom that is commonly associated with a back injury. Back injuries can produce pain that is dull and annoying to severe agony. Muscle spasms can cause excruciating back pain that can make it difficult to perform every day essentials, such as standing or walking. Ironically, a large herniated disc or completely degenerated disc can be completely painless in some cases.
Lower (lumbar) back pain is the second most common illness-related reason given for a missed workday. Work related back injuries are the most common occupational hazard. Degenerative disc disease is normally the cause of lower back pain. In some extreme cases, people under the age of 45 can become completely disabled because of the severity of their back pain.
Risk Factors of Severe Back Pain
Back pain can be caused by a number of factors. People with one or more of the following symptoms may have a higher risk of developing back pain:
- Obesity
- Bad posture
- Lack of exercise
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Stress
- Depression
- A job that requires heavy lifting or lots of bending and twisting.
The Cause of Severe Back Pain
The causes of back pain are not always clear. There are many structures in the lower back that can cause back pain. The following conditions are the most common causes of back pain:
- Intervertebral discs may be injured
- The large paired back muscles may be strained
- The bones, ligaments, or joints may be injured
- The large nerve roots that go to the legs and arms may be irritated
- The smaller nerves that innervate the spine may be irritated
Most causes of back pain are related to stresses that are on the ligaments and muscles that support the spine. Stationary jobs and lifestyles can create a vulnerability to this type of stress or damage. Obesity is another factor in diagnosing back pain. An increase in the weight and pressure on the discs can cause any number of back problems. Sports injuries can also cause damage resulting in back pain.
Disability Benefits Due to Severe Back Pain
Qualifying for disability benefits for severe back pain is no easy matter. Many long-term disability insurance carriers will wrongfully deny valid claims and delay payments. If the insurance company denies your claim, you have the right to appeal their decision and fight for the benefits that you are entitled to receive. To overturn long-term disability insurance denials, representation by an attorney with specific experience in disability insurance law is essential to success. You should not sign anything from the insurance carrier without first consulting with our disability attorneys.
Our attorneys can help evaluate whether the insurance company has acted fairly under the terms of the policy. If they have not, we can help you recover the money you are entitled to under your long-term disability insurance policy. Call Mehr Fairbanks Trial Lawyers toll-free at 800-249-3731, or contact us online for a free initial consultation.