Do you have a physical disability?

Question

How has/does it impact on your life, relationships and work?

Answer 1

I have neck and back disk problems and pinched nerves in my neck and back that cause me a lot of pain and limitation especially when doing simple things like waiting in line for a time or sitting (or standing) for too long a period of time. I am unable to even go for leisurely walks which I had found to be pleasurable (before injuries from car accidents -- none were my fault).

The pinched nerve in my back is what causes the sciatic pain or sciatica (the sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body that is pinched typically from a lumber/lower back disk that is compressed). It can be very depressing not being able to do the normal, typical every-day kinds of things such as working full-time, not being able to do fun things such as using a mini-trampoline for a fun workout, no bicycle riding or dancing freely, no bowling which can be a great bonding activity. It can just be very frustrating. And I don't mean to whine about it though I saw this question and wanted to help out if I could ;) I do happen to take glucosamine and chondroiton capsules which do help with the pain albeit not a miracle cure :)

I did get some relief from water/aquatic therapy led by a physical therapist (pt). The PT also gave me gentle strengthening and stretching exercises to do at the therapy gym and for at home. She had also done manual therapy which included mild stretching of the muscle sorta like myofascial release to try to relax the muscles. PT was well worth it, however, I still have the limitations. One has to 'just' learn to adapt which I think that I have pretty much so except when looking at my neighbor's mini-trampoline or elliptical in a store that I would like to go and ride on :) That kinda thing can get ya down. Though I certainly know that I have a lot to be thankful for. One can just look around and sadly see those less fortunate that are unable to even walk or move around at all. I do enjoy volunteer work as there are less hours and one can choose not such a physically demanding job. I presume that you are writing a paper. Good luck, and I hope that you do really well!

Answer 2

Yes. Degenerative spinal disease, all disc in my spine are ruptured. Impacted my life 180deg. I can no longer work, I'm now on S.S. Disability. All of this caused mental problem's such as nervous breakdowns & deep depression. I get run down fast, can't do a lot ( I've not felt my R. foot in 3-1/2 years) S.S. makes it where if you R married your penalized on your benefits, so It has made me get a divorce. Once was making over 80k, now I'm looking at filling bankruptcy. The pain is almost unbearable at times, pain management visits every month. To summarize it, my life is ruined. Degenerative means it's only going to get worse. I'm 50 & feel like 80. This has happened in the last 9yrs. I have to say some of it is due to some of the things I did when I was younger not taking care of my body, lifting too much, motorcycles & just being young.

Answer 3

I cured my sciatica with this natural treatment ( http://cure-sciatica.info )
Normally, I would not answer a question like this as my expertise is generally in medication but I had severe sciatica while I was pregnant with my 3rd child (after having had twins) and I had sciatica so bad that I was finding it difficult to walk. I tried massage therapy and physical therapy and could not take medication
I went to the chiropractor and the pain was instantly relieved. My hips and lower back were out of alignment because I had carried twins the year before. On occasion a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) can also work but they usually only work on one joint at a time - the chiropractor will do your whole back which works faster. Anyone who does not believe in chiropractors will tell you they are quacks - don't listen.
I don't necessarily believe that chiropractors can cure things like diabetes but they can definitely relieve some types of back pain especially if a pinched nerve is involved which is usually the cause of sciatica.

Answer 4

Yup. Arthritis. Can't work, and it does make everyday activities a pain in the rear ( arthritis in the spine ). Makes it hard to get cozy with my wife, too - but we manage - we manage ;-)