Living with a disability comes with unique physical and emotional hurdles. Regardless of whether someone has had a particular disability since birth or it was caused by an accident or illness, it can severely impact their ability to work, socialize, and get through the day.
Here’s a closer look at the 10 most common disabilities that affect Americans today.
1. Arthritis
Arthritis affects millions of people, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints and making it difficult to walk, write, or even hold objects. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other joint conditions can limit mobility and lead to chronic pain.
2. Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death and disability nationwide. Heart failure, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease can leave sufferers too weak to work or perform simple daily activities. Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue can affect a person’s endurance and ability to get around.
3. Back Issues
Herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal injuries, and other back problems can make it unbearable to simply move around, let alone walk, stand, or sit for long periods at work. Many people with severe back pain struggle to do even the most basic tasks.
4. Mental Health Disorders
Mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder can be just as debilitating as physical ailments. Such issues can make it challenging to get or keep a job, especially if severe symptoms interfere with the person’s ability to function.
5. Diabetic Complications
Diabetes can open the door for severe complications, including vision loss, kidney disease, nerve damage, and amputations. Advanced diabetes can leave patients dealing with mobility problems, chronic pain, and treatments that get in the way of employment and daily life.
6. Neurological Issues
Neurological conditions can affect the nerves and spinal cord as well as the brain. Epilepsy causes unpredictable seizures, while multiple sclerosis (MS) can leave a person with muscle weakness, coordination issues, and vision problems. Trying to make a living while faced with such disabilities can be difficult, if not impossible.
7. Respiratory Problems
Chronic respiratory illnesses can be surprisingly debilitating. COPD and severe asthma can limit one’s physical activity and cause breathing issues, making even simple tasks like carrying groceries and climbing the stairs exhausting. Individuals with advanced lung disease might need oxygen therapy or spend a lot of time in the hospital.
8. Vision and Hearing Loss
Being blind or hard of hearing can make it challenging to communicate and find your way around. Severe vision impairments might force a person to rely on assistive technology, and those with hearing loss might struggle with verbal communication. These disabilities can create barriers both at work and in social situations.
9. Cancer
Battling cancer can leave a person tired, weak, and in pain — and that’s before chemotherapy and radiation. Depending on the type and stage of the illness, some cancer patients deal with long-term disabilities that make it hard to work and take care of themselves.
10. Stroke
Anyone who suffers a stroke could be left with memory loss, speech issues, or even paralysis. Many stroke survivors require extensive rehab and help with daily living. Some are able to regain partial function, but others face lifelong impairments that hinder their independence.
Living With a Disability
Disabilities affect everyone differently, but they all present challenges that demand life adjustments and a strong support network. Many people rely on federal benefits to help them with their medical expenses and basic living costs when they can’t work. However, securing these benefits can be a complicated process, potentially requiring the assistance of an attorney.
For those who are struggling with a disability, understanding how their condition affects their ability to work can help them successfully navigate their claim for benefits.
Contact The Dallas Personal Injury Law Firm of Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, TX, contact us for more information, please contact the experienced Dallas personal injury lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations.
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