Is Scoliosis a Disability?

Scoliosis is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. According to statistics, it affects about 2-3% of the population.

But is scoliosis a disability?

Yes, scoliosis can be a disability, but only if the symptoms and its physical effects are so severe that it affects your ability to work.

As you know, the severity of scoliosis symptoms can range from mild to severe. It’s barely noticeable in some people. But those with severe scoliosis may find it disabling. In some cases, it may even lead to death. If your symptoms meet the SSA’s requirements, you may qualify for disability benefits.

To help you gauge your chances of getting disability for scoliosis, we put together this quick guide for you. did you tell her to be able some food for tomorrow

When is Scoliosis a Disability?

The SSA keeps a list of impairments that are automatically considered a disability called the Bluebook. If your condition is listed in the Bluebook, you will be considered disabled regardless of your work or education history.

Unfortunately, there is no specific SSA impairment listing for scoliosis. However, the SSA does have a listing for musculoskeletal disorders. In this listing, skeletal spine disorders like scoliosis are evaluated depending on their effects on your body.

In short, the SSA does not make a disability determination based on a scoliosis diagnosis alone. Rather, it looks at how the abnormal curvature of your spine affects your overall bodily function.

That said, here are some of the criteria that the SSA follows when determining whether or not your scoliosis constitutes a disability:

1. If it compromises a nerve root

Common symptoms of a compromised nerve root include:

• pain or a burning or tingling sensation that radiates from your back and hip into your legs through the spine
• muscle fatigue
• muscle weakness and signs of nerve root irritation, tension, or compression
• sensory changes
• decreased deep tendon reflexes
• a scoliosis-related physical limitation that has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months involving at least one of the following:
  – a documented medical need for walkers, bilateral canes, crutches, and other mobility aids
  – limited mobility in one or both upper extremities preventing you from initiating, sustaining, or completing work activities

2. If it leads to lumbar spinal stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis happens when your spinal canal narrows down, compressing a portion of your spinal nerves. This can cause pain or numbness in your legs.

It’s usually manifested by:

• pain or sensory loss in one or both lower extremities
• neurogenic claudication
• muscle weakness
• sensory changes or decreased deep tendon reflexes
• a scoliosis-related physical limitation that has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months, including at least one of the following:
  – a documented medical need for walkers, bilateral canes, crutches, and other mobility aids
  – limited mobility in one or both upper extremities preventing you from initiating, sustaining, or completing work activities

3. If it affects your breathing

In severe cases of scoliosis, the rib cage may press against the lungs, causing breathing and respiratory problems. Some of the symptoms that the SSA looks for include:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• coughing
• wheezing
• spitting blood

4. If it leads to a cardiovascular impairment

A severely curved spine can severely distort your ribcage. This, in turn, can compress your heart, putting pressure on it and preventing it from beating properly. As a result, some scoliosis patients may suffer from cardiovascular problems.

Cardiovascular impairments, as per SSA’s definition, includes:

• any disorder (congenital or acquired) that affects the proper functioning of the heart and the circulatory system
• cyanosis (bluish tint) due to uneven pressure in the left and right atriums
• cardiovascular disorders that cause impairments to the lower extremities, the central nervous system, and other organs

5. If it leads to social withdrawal or depression

Aside from the various health problems, scoliosis can also affect your confidence. That’s why studies have found that scoliosis patients are at an increased risk of depression and other mental health issues.

Depressive disorder, as per SSA guidelines, usually manifests in the following symptoms:

• loss of appetite
• difficulty concentrating or thinking
• decreased energy
• difficulty sleeping
• lack of interest in doing anything
• feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• thoughts of death or suicide