Sitting disability

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A sitting disability is a condition in which a person has difficulties sitting or is unable to do so at all; usually due to pain. This can affect people who face little or no chronic problems with standing, as well as those who do, such as mobility aid users.

Contents

It is also known as reduced ability to sit, sitting problems or inability to sit.

Sitting disability has generally been an unrecognized disability. [1] It is also not a well known concept, though the symptoms themselves are common for people with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] and severe back pain. The disabilities usually mentioned in research and legal documents are reduced mobility and visual or auditory impairments.

Possible causes

Hidradenitis suppurativa may significantly limit sitting down in patients (with lesions in sacral, gluteal, perineal, femoral, groin or genital regions), and prolonged periods of sitting down itself can also worsen the condition of the skins of these patients. [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]

Pain while sitting is a well known symptom when having ischial tuberosity [12] pain, myofascial pain syndrome, coccyx pain (coccydynia), failed back surgery, arachnoiditis, sciatica, piriformis syndrome, and back pain in general. An inability to sit is one of the signs of chronic low back pain. [13] Low back pain is a condition that affects a large part of the general United States population at some point in life. [14] 65 to 80% of Americans have an episode of low back pain at some time in their lives. [15] Although most cases resolve quickly, 40% recur and 5% result in a residual disability after one year.

In the U.S., acute low back pain (also called lumbago) is the fifth most common reason for all physician visits. About nine out of ten adults experience back pain at some point in their life, and five out of ten working adults have back pain every year. [16]

With several severe pain syndromes, like neuralgia or pelvic pain (symphysis pubis dysfunction), pain during pregnancy or after given birth, the pain can be aggravated by sitting.

It is possible to get Social Security benefits for a sitting disability. [17] [ better source needed ]

Sitting problems are usually an invisible disability. This, combined with the fact that reduced ability to sit is not mentioned in research or anti-discrimination laws, makes it even harder for people to live with this kind of impairment.

Equality and accessibility

A person with a sitting disability caused by excessive pain is unable to sit or stand for long periods of time, and will need to lie down. The availability of benches or other devices where one may lie down may be a critical factor that determines whether a means of transportation or a public building is usable or not for many people with this form of disability. Public buildings and transportation such as flying are often inaccessible to people with severe sitting problems. People with both sitting- and mobility problems may have to use a wheelbench, which is usually too large to fit into an elevator.

A sitting disability is a medical condition that makes a person unable to sit, not unable to move. It is not the inability to access the building that prevents a person from being in a building, it is the lack of places to lie down or comfortable reclining chairs. Accommodations for people who have a sitting disability are being enforced as Western nations integrate universal design into their societies. In 2013, the Anti-Discrimination Ombud in Norway ruled that a person with sitting disability was discriminated against when denied transport for disabled people. [18]

For some medical conditions like pudendal neuralgia, [19] avoiding activities like sitting, which worsen the condition, [20] is regarded as crucial. An inability to sit requires major life adjustments.

People with this condition are often totally disabled in that there are few jobs in which a person is able to lie down, and not required to stand or sit for extended periods of time. Individuals with this condition in the United States are unseen because of a lack of suitable mass transit, and the lack of public places to lie down in a socially acceptable manner. They often remain at home even though they may be totally ambulatory.

Reclining power chairs are a more reasonable option because they allow access where wheel cots do not. Properly modified by removal of foot rests and replacement with an ottoman type leg rest provides a reasonably comfortable option. The leg lift option along with suitable back padding and cushions is required. These chairs are readily available through most power chair manufacturers. This allows the user to be autonomous and not dependent on a caretaker.

Media coverage

A noncommercial video about sitting disability was run on Norwegian national TV on holidays in 2013 and 2014. [21]

The American college radio DJ Laurie Cohen has neuropathy in her pelvis after she was rear ended in a car accident. The severe pelvic pain prevents her from being able to sit. [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Interstitial cystitis</span> Medical condition

Interstitial cystitis (IC), a type of bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is chronic pain in the bladder and pelvic floor of unknown cause. It is the urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome of women. Symptoms include feeling the need to urinate right away, needing to urinate often, and pain with sex. IC/BPS is associated with depression and lower quality of life. Many of those affected also have irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ehlers–Danlos syndrome</span> Group of genetic connective tissues disorders

Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of 13 genetic connective-tissue disorders. Symptoms often include loose joints, joint pain, stretchy velvety skin, and abnormal scar formation. These may be noticed at birth or in early childhood. Complications may include aortic dissection, joint dislocations, scoliosis, chronic pain, or early osteoarthritis. The current classification was last updated in 2017, when a number of rarer forms of EDS were added.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coccyx</span> Bone of the pelvis

The coccyx, commonly referred to as the tailbone, is the final segment of the vertebral column in all apes, and analogous structures in certain other mammals such as horses. In tailless primates since Nacholapithecus, the coccyx is the remnant of a vestigial tail. In animals with bony tails, it is known as tailhead or dock, in bird anatomy as tailfan. It comprises three to five separate or fused coccygeal vertebrae below the sacrum, attached to the sacrum by a fibrocartilaginous joint, the sacrococcygeal symphysis, which permits limited movement between the sacrum and the coccyx.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cluster headache</span> Neurological disorder

Cluster headache is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent severe headaches on one side of the head, typically around the eye(s). There is often accompanying eye watering, nasal congestion, or swelling around the eye on the affected side. These symptoms typically last 15 minutes to 3 hours. Attacks often occur in clusters which typically last for weeks or months and occasionally more than a year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trigeminal neuralgia</span> Neurological pain disorder

Trigeminal neuralgia, also called Fothergill disease, tic douloureux, trifacial neuralgia, or suicide disease, is a long-term pain disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, the nerve responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing. It is a form of neuropathic pain. There are two main types: typical and atypical trigeminal neuralgia. The typical form results in episodes of severe, sudden, shock-like pain in one side of the face that lasts for seconds to a few minutes. Groups of these episodes can occur over a few hours. The atypical form results in a constant burning pain that is less severe. Episodes may be triggered by any touch to the face. Both forms may occur in the same person. It is regarded as one of the most painful disorders known to medicine, and often results in depression and suicide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sciatica</span> Lower back pain that extends down leg

Sciatica is pain going down the leg from the lower back. This pain may go down the back, outside, or front of the leg. Onset is often sudden following activities like heavy lifting, though gradual onset may also occur. The pain is often described as shooting. Typically, symptoms are only on one side of the body. Certain causes, however, may result in pain on both sides. Lower back pain is sometimes present. Weakness or numbness may occur in various parts of the affected leg and foot.

Pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE), also known as Alcock canal syndrome, is an uncommon source of chronic pain in which the pudendal nerve is entrapped or compressed in Alcock's canal. There are several different types of PNE based on the site of entrapment anatomically. Pain is positional and is worsened by sitting. Other symptoms include genital numbness, fecal incontinence and urinary incontinence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hidradenitis suppurativa</span> Human disease

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), sometimes known as acne inversa or Verneuil's disease, is a long-term dermatological condition characterized by the occurrence of inflamed and swollen lumps. These are typically painful and break open, releasing fluid or pus. The areas most commonly affected are the underarms, under the breasts, perineum, buttocks, and the groin. Scar tissue remains after healing. HS may significantly limit many everyday activities, for instance, walking, hugging, moving, and sitting down. Sitting disability may occur in patients with lesions in sacral, gluteal, perineal, femoral, groin or genital regions; and prolonged periods of sitting down can also worsen the condition of the skin of these patients.

Coccydynia is a medical term meaning pain in the coccyx or tailbone area, often brought on by a fall onto the coccyx or by persistent irritation usually from sitting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cellulitis</span> Bacterial infection of the inner layers of the skin called the dermis

Cellulitis is usually a bacterial infection involving the inner layers of the skin. It specifically affects the dermis and subcutaneous fat. Signs and symptoms include an area of redness which increases in size over a few days. The borders of the area of redness are generally not sharp and the skin may be swollen. While the redness often turns white when pressure is applied, this is not always the case. The area of infection is usually painful. Lymphatic vessels may occasionally be involved, and the person may have a fever and feel tired.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pelvic pain</span> Medical condition

Pelvic pain is pain in the area of the pelvis. Acute pain is more common than chronic pain. If the pain lasts for more than six months, it is deemed to be chronic pelvic pain. It can affect both the male and female pelvis.

Hidradenitis is any disease in which the histologic abnormality is primarily an inflammatory infiltrate around the eccrine glands. This group includes neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis and recurrent palmoplantar hidradenitis.

Geniculate ganglionitis or geniculate neuralgia (GN), also called nervus intermedius neuralgia, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, or Hunt's neuralgia, is a rare disorder characterized by severe paroxysmal neuralgic pain deep in the ear, that may spread to the ear canal, outer ear, mastoid or eye regions. GN may also occur in combination with trigeminal or glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nerve compression syndrome</span> Human disease

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Preherpetic neuralgia is a form of nerve pain (neuralgia) specifically associated with a Shingles viral infection. This nerve pain often precedes visible indications of a Shingles infection and consequently can be a key early indicator of a need to begin preventative anti-viral drug therapy. Pain associated with Shingles can be extremely difficult to treat whereas the source is related to the virus attacking the nervous system itself. Pain symptoms can last months or years beyond any outward sign of viral infection and can be quite severe. The combination of extreme pain severity and longevity can contribute to chronic depression and even suicide.

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References

  1. ↑ "www.dok.no". www.dok.no. Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  2. ↑ "Intergluteal contour deformity in hidradenitis suppurativa" . Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  3. ↑ Nazzaro, Gianluca; Passoni, Emanuela; Calzari, Paolo; Barbareschi, Mauro; Muratori, Simona; Veraldi, Stefano; Marzano, Angelo Valerio (2019). "Color Doppler as a tool for correlating vascularization and pain in hidradenitis suppurativa lesions". Skin Research and Technology. 25 (6): 830–834. doi:10.1111/srt.12729. PMID   31140660. S2CID   169036038 . Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  4. ↑ Loh, T. Y.; Hendricks, A. J.; Hsiao, J. L.; Shi, V. Y. (2021). "Undergarment and fabric selection in the management of hidradenitis suppurativa". Dermatology. 237 (1): 119–124. doi: 10.1159/000501611 . PMID   31466052. S2CID   201672889 . Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  5. ↑ Jemec, G.B.E.; Heidenheim, M.; Nielsen, N.H. (1996). "Hidradenitis suppurativa-characteristics and consequences". Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 21 (6): 419–423. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.1996.tb00145.x. PMID   9167336. S2CID   25491238 . Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  6. ↑ "Psychosocial impact of hidradenitis suppurativa: a qualitative study" . Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  7. ↑ "Intergluteal contour deformity in hidradenitis suppurativa" . Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  8. ↑ Nazzaro, Gianluca; Passoni, Emanuela; Calzari, Paolo; Barbareschi, Mauro; Muratori, Simona; Veraldi, Stefano; Marzano, Angelo Valerio (2019). "Color Doppler as a tool for correlating vascularization and pain in hidradenitis suppurativa lesions". Skin Research and Technology. 25 (6): 830–834. doi:10.1111/srt.12729. PMID   31140660. S2CID   169036038 . Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  9. ↑ Loh, T. Y.; Hendricks, A. J.; Hsiao, J. L.; Shi, V. Y. (2021). "Undergarment and fabric selection in the management of hidradenitis suppurativa". Dermatology. 237 (1): 119–124. doi: 10.1159/000501611 . PMID   31466052. S2CID   201672889 . Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  10. ↑ Jemec, G.B.E.; Heidenheim, M.; Nielsen, N.H. (1996). "Hidradenitis suppurativa-characteristics and consequences". Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 21 (6): 419–423. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.1996.tb00145.x. PMID   9167336. S2CID   25491238 . Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  11. ↑ "Psychosocial impact of hidradenitis suppurativa: a qualitative study" . Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  12. ↑ "Caring Medical - Ischial Tuberosity Pain" . Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  13. ↑ University, Utah State. "USU Health" . Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  14. ↑ Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Centre - Chronic Low Back Pain Archived 2006-05-14 at the Wayback Machine
  15. ↑ "Journal of the American Academy of PAs". jaapa.com. Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  16. ↑ Patel AT, Ogle AA (March 2000). "Diagnosis and management of acute low back pain". Am Fam Physician. 61 (6): 1779–86, 1789–90. PMID   10750882.
  17. ↑ "Can I Get Benefits for a Sitting Disability? - socialsecuritydisability-blog.com". socialsecuritydisability-blog.com. Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  18. ↑ "13/1168: TT-ordningen i Akershus". Likestillings- og diskrimineringsombudet. Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  19. ↑ Benson JT, Griffis K (May 2005). "Pudendal neuralgia, a severe pain syndrome". Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 192 (5): 1663–8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2005.01.051. PMID   15902174.
  20. ↑ "Bitcoin da inviare" . Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  21. ↑ FriendsSupportGroup (26 August 2012). "Sitting disability". Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 28 December 2018– via YouTube.
  22. ↑ "Sitting disability because of severe pelvic pain" . Retrieved 28 December 2018.
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