Spinal fusion surgery is a procedure that serves to connect two or more bones in the spine. Doing so prevents movements between the two bones.
Reasons for a spinal fusion include:
- Addressing pain
- Boosting spinal stability
- Addressing other spinal health issues
Sometimes, after undergoing spinal fusion surgery, a patient may experience permanent restrictions affecting their movement. This can limit their ability to work and earn an income.
Keep reading for more information. The following guide covers some of the permanent restrictions spinal fusion can cause, and how someone experiencing these restrictions may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Permanent Restrictions You May Experience After Spinal Fusion
Some patients who undergo spinal fusion therapy develop no significant restrictions in the aftermath. Those who do experience permanent restrictions might:
- Lose a degree of flexibility and/or mobility
- Struggle to lift heavy objects
- Experience some long-term discomfort
Those are just a few common examples. Depending on the nature of a person’s occupation, these permanent restrictions could prevent them from working.
Work History and Job Skills
You might not be able to work after spinal fusion surgery. However, if you’ve worked in the past, that means you’ve likely accrued work credits. These work credits may qualify you for certain disability benefits through the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA).
Other options may be available if you haven’t accrued sufficient work credits. For example, you may meet the eligibility criteria necessary to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI can help you pay for housing, food, and other such basics if you can’t work and earn an income.
Can I Perform Sedentary Work?
Not all jobs involve physically demanding tasks. Even if you experience permanent restrictions after a spinal fusion, you might nevertheless be able to perform sedentary work.
That’s not always the case. Sometimes, the permanent restrictions spinal fusion causes can be significant enough to prevent one from holding down a desk job or other such role.
The SSA needs to confirm that your restrictions thoroughly prevent you from working before approving your application for benefits. If your restrictions after spinal fusion prevent you from doing even sedentary work, you’ll need to provide medical documentation showing this.
Resources for Spinal Fusion Surgery
Resources that may prove helpful if you’re experiencing permanent restrictions after spinal fusion therapy include:
- Online and in-person support groups
- Pain management specialists
- Physical rehabilitation centers
- Organizations such as the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
Such resources may help you adapt to your restrictions in the aftermath of your surgery. Additionally, a disability lawyer could help you seek disability benefits.
Get a Free Case Evaluation Today
Demonstrating to the SSA that you deserve to receive benefits due to permanent restrictions resulting from spinal fusion surgery requires gathering and presenting substantial medical evidence. A disability lawyer could handle this task on your behalf, allowing you to focus on getting the rest you need. Learn more by taking the Free Case Evaluation on this page to get connected and speak with an attorney taking cases in your area today—at zero cost to you.
