[Maria]

That's a good question to which I have no answer although I'm wondering if there was a point in time where you started to see a doctor regarding your spinal problems so there was documentation of the beginning of your spine problems and some diagnostic testing ordered and performed ?

It sounds like it might be viewed as "aggravation of existing injury" and difficult (though not impossible) to prove.

If you pay into the State Workers Compensation Fund it seems like you yourself should be eligible for work related benefits just like anyone else.

Then again.. I know nothing when it comes to this, just throwing some ideas out there that you've likely already thought of.

I'd suggest contacting your State Worker's Compensation Board however I've tried that and it was grueling with fairly poor results in terms of information access. Might be different for you though and can't hurt to try if you've not already.