Scoliosis is an abnormal curve in the spine. Normally, it causes the spine to bend into a “C” or “S” shape. Depending on the person, scoliosis can be harmless to severely debilitating. In some cases of scoliosis, patients are unable to breathe, suffer from chronic back pain, and can suffer from spine or nerve damage from spinal surgery or uncorrected scoliosis. Treatments can range from a regular doctor appointment to surgery that inserts metal poles in your spine to strengthen it.
Physical Activity and Scoliosis
Because of the curvature of the spine, a person who has scoliosis can experience some hardships when exerting themselves. Both men and women experience some difficulty when exercising and women experience some form of pain when standing or sitting for long periods of time. After surgery, a majority of patients reported a significant improvement in their ability to exert themselves.
Social and Other Activities
Men and women both reported problem in their social life because of difficulties participating in physical activities. Many also reported feeling self-conscious about their appearance. Regardless, men and women were both considered to be functioning normally within their age group, in terms of social status (being married and having children), sports, and job performance.
Scoliosis can affect different parts of the spine, which can cause different problems for each person. Patients with a double major curve, one curve in the mid-back (thoracic spine) and one in the lower back (lumbar), reported difficulty driving, especially for long periods of time. Patients with only curves in their lower back reported difficulty doing household chores, as this affected their ability to lift, run, stand and carry objects.
Body Image
There are millions of people who have scoliosis. There are more parts of the body affected because of this condition. A patient’s mental health and psyche can also be affected. A majority of patients reported feeling self-conscious while wearing a bathing suit, because of how their back looks with a curve. While most patients reported feeling self-conscious about their body in some way, many also reported that they were able to cope with their scoliosis in a positive way.
Work Eligibility
In some severe cases of scoliosis, a person can be unable to work due to their physical limitations. Beyond having a limited ability to sit, stand, and walk, other physical requirements such as lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying may be completely impossible for an individual with scoliosis, due to their back pain and strength limitations. Mental impairments can cause a patient to develop depression and even become reclusive, to the point of isolation, which may also make returning to work impossible.
Contact Us
Scoliosis alone is rarely disabling unless it is severe. If you develop another spinal condition or injury, scoliosis can complicate treatment. Typically, a combination of spinal conditions will help qualify you for disability benefits. If you or a loved one has recently had a spinal condition or injury disability claim rejected, do not give up! Call the disability attorneys at Mehr Fairbanks Trial Lawyers today to receive a free consultation. We have helped people across the United States whom are unable to work due to back or spinal disorders. Find help today by calling 800-249-3731.