There are a lot of different ways disabilities come about. Some people are injured while on the job. Others suffer a heart attack. Still, others are diagnosed with cancer or another type of ailment or disorder. Disabilities can come from many different sources and they can certainly happen to anyone, regardless of their age, occupation, life choices and other factors.
That said, some sources point out that musculoskeletal disorders cause disabilities more than anything else. These are disorders that involve the muscular system and the skeletal system, as the name implies, and they include things like:
- Back pain
- Spine disorders
- Arthritis
- Joint disorders
- Fibromyositis
Because these disorders encompass such a wide range of specific issues, they’re able to rank higher than any other leading cause. You can think of musculoskeletal disorders as sort of an umbrella term encompassing quite a few different types of mobility issues, chronic pain issues and things of this nature.
Is this just getting more common?
One thing to note is that these types of disabilities are happening more and more often. Some health experts point to America’s obesity epidemic. As the average person simply becomes heavier, that puts extra strain on the muscular and skeletal systems, leading to pain and, in some cases, disability.
But this is certainly not the case for everyone. You could be in perfect shape and still find yourself disabled due to an accident or an illness. People often do not realize just how common this is – or how often it occurs – until it happens to them.
If you’re dealing with a disability for any reason, be sure you know what legal options you have.