Disabilities don’t just affect a person’s physical and mental capabilities. They can also require costly medical care and long-term therapy.
There is no comprehensive list of the most common disabilities. Many people suffer silently. Moreover, comparing those who receive benefits, such as workers’ compensation or Social Security Disability Insurance, is like comparing apples to oranges because different agencies use different criteria to evaluate disabling conditions.
With these factors in mind, keep reading to learn about some of the leading conditions, illnesses, and diseases that affect Americans:
1. Musculoskeletal Diseases
Musculoskeletal diseases are the leading reason the U.S. government grants Social Security disability benefits. These diseases affect the bones, muscles, and joints. They include conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and osteoporosis. This category does not include musculoskeletal injuries.
These injuries typically result from the natural aging process, wear and tear, and congenital conditions. They can affect mobility, self-care, and independent living.
2. Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries result from trauma, such as car accidents or falls, and include injuries such as the following:
- Bone fractures
- Joint sprains
- Muscle and tendon strains
- Herniated and bulging discs
These disabilities are often temporary. However, some musculoskeletal injuries can produce chronic or long-term effects. For example, doctors currently have no procedures to heal herniated discs.
3. Cognitive Disabilities
Cognitive disabilities affect a person’s reasoning or memory. They can prevent the person from solving problems or learning new information.
These conditions can arise from congenital conditions or traumatic injuries. For example, a catastrophic brain injury could result in permanent cognitive disabilities.
4. Mental Illness
Mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, can produce a range of symptoms from mood disorders to visual or auditory hallucinations. As a result, mental illness can disrupt a person’s ability to live independently or care for their needs.
Mental illnesses often stem from abnormalities in brain chemistry. However, a brain injury can potentially lead to a mental illness.
5. Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is a leading cause of missed work in the United States. It can arise from traumatic injuries, degenerative medical conditions, and overuse. Moreover, chronic back pain can result from musculoskeletal or neurological diseases.
6. Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, resulting in pain and inflammation. Eventually, the tissues under attack may break down.
Research has not clearly identified the cause of many autoimmune diseases. It could range from genetics to toxic exposure.
7. Neurological Diseases and Injuries
Neurological diseases and injuries can affect your vision, hearing, and other senses. They can also affect your mobility.
8. Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Heart and circulatory conditions can affect a person’s mobility, independent living, and self-care.
9. Cancer
Cancer is the nation’s second-leading cause of death. It can produce disabling conditions. The treatment is also potentially disabling due to pain and fatigue.
10. Respiratory Disease
Respiratory diseases were once more common than they are today. However, cleaner air and lower smoking rates have reduced the incidence of respiratory disease.
Contact Our Mesa Personal Injury Lawyers at Feller & Wendt, LLC for a Free Consultation
Regardless of the specific symptoms, the most common disabilities can impact your ability to earn a living. They also reduce your quality of life. Fortunately, you may be entitled to seek compensation for these effects.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, call Feller & Wendt, LLC to schedule a free consultation with a Mesa personal injury lawyer. We can help you understand and protect your rights.
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