"On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your pain level?"
Chronic pain: difficult to measure, frustrating to treat
3 ways medical care can help sufferers of depression
In recent weeks, the topics of depression and mental illness have been at the forefront of our national discussions. Unfortunately, serious illnesses like depression affect millions of people in the U.S., and sufferers don't always seek the medical care they need.
How arthritis can affect the lives of sufferers
Did you know that there are more than 60 types of arthritis and diseases related to arthritis? This is according to the Arthritis Foundation. The various types of arthritis range from common and mild to rare and severe.
5 types of digestive disorders that can be disabling
Digestive problems can affect any person at any age. Often, the issues are short-lived or treatable with dietary adjustments or medical care.
Multiple sclerosis: The far-reaching impact of this illness
Anyone who struggles with a disabling condition knows that it can affect every aspect of his or her life. Multiple sclerosis is one such condition that can change everything about a person's life.
Are you at risk for preventable hearing loss?
Loss of hearing is a common - and troubling - type of disabling condition that drastically affects a person's life. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that "hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition in the U.S."
Cystic fibrosis: a serious illness with demanding treatments
Cystic fibrosis is a serious genetic condition that affects numerous organs, including the pancreas, intestines and lungs. It causes mucus to be thick and sticky, which causes clogged airways, lung infections and respiratory failure.
Compassionate Allowances can expedite your disability decision
Qualifying for disability benefits is often more complicated than people expect. One major obstacle people typically face is proving that a condition does in fact meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. This is because most conditions and illnesses have varying degrees of severity and may or may not be disabling.
The Challenges of Fibromyalgia
As advanced as medicine is today, there are still countless medical conditions that are not well understood. Some illnesses cannot be treated or diagnosed with certainty at all. These illnesses complicate patients' lives as well as their access to critical benefits for which they might be eligible, like disability benefits.
Is obesity a disabling condition?
The Social Security Administration defines a disabling condition as a mental or physical impairment that is expected to last for at least 12 continuous months. The condition must be medically determinable and prevent a person from engaging in substantial gainful activity.
