You can’t move your neck when you wake up in the morning. You find it difficult to perform your job responsibilities because of a lack of mobility.
Early on, you tried heat and ice therapy. From there, you followed it up with over-the-counter pain medication. And while these things may have provided some relief, your neck injury continued to linger.
At this point, you’re becoming concerned about your future, including your ability to earn a living.
Whether or not your neck injury qualifies as a disability depends on a variety of factors, including the source of your pain.
Some of the most common medical ailments that result in neck pain include:
- Nerve compression
- Muscle strain
- Pinched nerve
- Herniated disc
- Neck fracture
- Whiplash
Regardless of the reason for your neck pain, you must be able to prove that it’s hindering your ability to work. For example, if your doctor set physical restrictions as a result of your condition, that may be enough for you to become eligible for disability compensation.
What’s the problem?
It sounds easy enough to qualify for disability benefits as a result of neck pain, but nothing could be further from the truth. Here’s why: Neck pain is difficult to confirm or measure, which makes it a challenge to prove.
That’s why you should dig deeper to learn more about the underlying condition that’s causing your pain. For instance, if you can prove that a neck fracture is the culprit, it’s easier to argue that you should receive disability benefits.
If your neck pain is worsening and you’re finding it difficult to live your regular life, it’s time to consult a medical professional. They can run a variety of tests to better understand your pain and the condition causing it. You may be surprised to find that the cause of your pain is something you never considered.
While your immediate attention should turn to your health and making a full recovery, don’t overlook the importance of understanding your legal rights with regard to obtaining disability benefits. If you know what’s owed to you, it’s easier to fight for it.