The Disability

This is a front to back image of a badly damaged lumbar spine.  Notice how thin the gaps are.  That is where the discs should be.  They have all been herniated and are severely degenerated.  Also note the bone spurs on the edges especially on the left side.  A spine this broken down can not bend, twist or move at all comfortably.  This man is 53! and he is seeking disability.  About the only way to get this damaged is to ignore the gradually increasing pain with pain pills and steroid shots.  Which he did.  This damage will cost him 10 years of his working life, plus years of pain.  As a reference look at a relatively normal 50 year old lumbar spine.  This man has never had a pain pill, steroid shot, surgery or any treatment for back pain except chiropractic care, despite herniating a disc over 30 years ago.

Notice the gaps where the disc still are, and the edges.  No bone spurs.  This man intends to work for decades more.