Pushing Past Limitations: A Guide to Physical Disabilities

Whether through disease or an accident, someone who loses a limb or requires an amputation is said to have a physical disability, even if a prosthetic is an option. 

Impact on the head, stroke, infections, and even drugs and alcohol can cause a brain injury. The result is difficulty processing information, solving problems, and in some instances, behavior, personality, and physical ability changes. 

Musculoskeletal disorders are more common as you get older and are accompanied by symptoms such as stiffness, pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Arthritis is one of the most common types of musculoskeletal disorders. Other examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and degenerative disc disease. 

If the spinal cord experiences too much pressure and blood and oxygen are cut off, it can lead to loss of function and feeling. In some cases, the respiratory and cardiovascular systems are affected too. While some spinal cord injuries are temporary, others cause paraplegia and quadriplegia. Falls, motor vehicle accidents, blood clots, infections, and spinal conditions are some of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. 

Reduced blood supply and a lack of oxygen to the brain before or during birth can cause cerebral palsy. Illnesses during pregnancy and meningitis in young children can also be a cause. Cerebral palsy results in a lack of muscle control, poor coordination, involuntary movements, and difficulty walking. 

In the case of spina bifida, the spine and spinal cord do not form completely in the womb. Some studies suggest that this might be due to a lack of folate during pregnancy, environmental factors, or even genetic conditions. Where the spinal cord and nerves are usually encased in bone and surrounded by muscle, spina bifida results in exposure of these nerves. Spina bifida causes mild to severe physical disabilities, including deformities of the spine, paralysis, and bowel and bladder incontinence.

When the tissue that protects the nerve fibers in the body becomes damaged it creates scarred patches, which results in a condition called multiple sclerosis. These scars make it difficult for the central nervous system to interact correctly with the spinal cord, brain, and optic nerves. Some of the most common symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis include loss of motor control, numbness, memory loss, and vision problems. 

This inherited genetic condition impacts the body’s reproduction, respiratory, and digestive systems. Since the condition causes thick and sticky mucus, it’s easy for the air passages to become clogged and filled with bacteria. Along with this, cystic fibrosis sufferers can also experience liver damage, infertility, fatigue, and cramps, making it more difficult to function. 

Today, more than 30 different types of muscular dystrophy have been identified, all of which lead to progressive and irreversible loss of muscle mass as well as general muscle weakness. Some of the other symptoms include heart and organ problems, difficulty walking, breathing and swallowing as well as poor joint motion. These symptoms might start gradually during someone’s younger years and become progressively worse with age. 

While epilepsy is a neurological condition, because of its impact on someone’s physical movements, it can also be deemed a physical disability. Brain injuries, stroke, and genetic conditions have all been linked to epilepsy, which can develop at different times of your life. Epilepsy also varies in terms of severity and can be controlled with medication.

Wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, scooters, and prosthetics are all examples of mobility aids. 

For people who need assistance with reading, attention, and comprehension, there are cognitive aids such as screen readers, screen enlargement apps, and text-to-speech technology. This type of software also makes it possible for people with physical disabilities to work and navigate day-to-day activities online. 

Auto page-turners, pencil grips, and book holders ensure that students and professionals have equal opportunities to learn and advance their knowledge. 

Everyone deserves to enjoy and participate in the sporting activities they love, which is why high-performance, lightweight mobility devices were created. 

To make life at home and work easier, there are also assistive aids such as adaptive utensils and switches, which assist with eating, drinking, and performing other general activities at home, work, and school. 

There are a number of conditions that are labeled as physical disabilities, including cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and epilepsy. In essence, a physical disability is any disorder that impacts how your body moves and functions physically.