Most of our Los Angeles readers have probably either said or thought at one point or another, “My back hurts.” Back pain is common for many people, although for some the problem is more serious than it is for others. A person’s back has all types of human tissue — bone, muscle, nerves and blood vessels. As a result, there is plenty of opportunity for something to go wrong.
A back injury can leave a person unable to work if it is serious enough. From pulled or strained muscles to chipped or broken bones, a back injury can be painful and debilitating. Some people are able to work through the pain, oftentimes with the help of prescription medications, such as muscle relaxers or pain relievers. Other people, however, face a much more long-term dilemma.
Back injuries that are more long-term in duration could result in doctor’s order for bedrest, or possibly even a surgical procedure to reduce pain or correct the issue. Serious nerve damage could mean that a Los Angeles resident may need to go through months of therapy and rehabilitation just to get back to the capability of completing the simplest of tasks. Lost wages due to being unable to work can be hard to overcome, in addition to the medical expenses that are likely to add up quickly.
When a person has a back injury that could result in long-term disability, there may be an opportunity to apply for Social Security disability benefits. SSD benefits can help a Los Angeles resident address financial problems.
Source: nlm.nih.gov, “Back Injuries,” Accessed July 18, 2015