How to Adjust to Living With a Back Disability

If you have recently been in an accident or have been diagnosed with a chronic condition which causes back pain, you can take some steps to reorganize your daily life. Although having a back injury can hinder your ability to do some tasks, you can still accomplish a lot of activities by making a few adjustments to your lifestyle. Becoming disabled can be disheartening, but you can make the best out of your situation by taking the time to make some changes that will improve your quality of life.

Things You'll Need

• Cushions
• Walking aids
• Computer

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Instructions

• 1

  Purchase items to make your life more comfortable. Buy pillows or seat cushions if you need to sit or lie in a special position. If your doctor has instructed you to use a cane or any other type of walking device, use as needed.

• 2

  Take your medications on time. Skipping your medications will only make your pain worse and hinder your success in completing daily tasks.

• 3

  Make necessary changes to your work situation. This may include applying for short-term disability, working flexible hours or finding a job where you can work from home.

• 4

  Apply for Social Security disability if you are completely unable to work. This is nothing to be ashamed of no matter how young you are. This process can easily take six months to two years, so apply as soon as a physician determines that you are unable to work due to your back problems.

• 5

  Ask for help from family and friends. You doctor may not want you to do certain things. There may be certain things you could do before your back injury, such as lifting heavy boxes Don't be too proud to ask family and friends to give you a hand with these tasks.