Candidate for spinal fusion? You may also qualify for disability.

North Carolina readers know how significantly a back injury or condition can affect their lives. Serious back pain can affect your ability to work, complete daily tasks without pain and function normally. In some extreme cases, an appropriate treatment for certain types of back injuries and disorders is lumbar fusion surgery.

Lumbar or spinal fusion is a major surgical procedure, yet it can be an effective treatment to relieve certain types of issues. Recovery from this type of surgery can be significant, and even after the healing process, you may be limited in what type of physical activity you can do. If the condition of your back is precarious and keeps you from holding gainful employment, you could be eligible for disability benefits.

What you need to know about spinal fusion surgery

Spinal fusion is a way for doctors to repair issues with the smaller bones in the spine. The procedure essentially fuses vertebrae together, which will allow them to grow into one bone. In many cases, this offers significant relief from back pain. Some disorders that could require spinal fusion surgery include the following:

• Degenerative disk disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis
• Fractured vertebrae

Any of these types of injuries and back disorders can cause significant pain and greatly reduce your mobility and physical abilities. By fusing certain bones together, it will prevent the specific damaged vertebra from moving and causing pain.

Once you are completely healed from this surgery after an extensive recovery time, it is likely that your range of motion will only be limited a small amount. However, that does not necessarily mean you can reenter the workforce or return to the same job. You may not be able to do things associated with many types of employment, such as standing for long periods of time, sitting, walking and more.

Are you a candidate?

Many people who have back problems and require spinal fusion surgery do not realize that they could qualify for disability benefits. If you are having this surgery or find that your spinal cord issue prevents you from working, you would be wise to find out if you have grounds to move forward with a claim for disability.

You do not have to make assumptions about your case or your qualifications, but you can take action to learn about your rights and understand more about eligibility requirements. A complete evaluation of your case can reveal the options available to you.