Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help or miss work. It is a leading cause of disability worldwide and can result from injury, activity, and some medical conditions. Back pain can affect people of any age and for different reasons. As people get older, the likelihood of developing lower back pain increases due to factors such as previous occupation and degenerative disc disease. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 1.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Back Pain Qualify for Disability?
If you have disabling back pain that stops you from working or participating in everyday activities, you may qualify for disability benefits. Many conditions cause back pain, and that pain can range from a muscle aching to a shooting, burning or stabbing sensation. Below are some conditions that may qualify you for benefits:
- broken back
- degenerative disc disease
- facet arthropathy
- nerve root impingement caused by a herniated disk, pinched nerve, or other conditions
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- spinal stenosis
- spondylolisthesis
No matter your diagnosis, your healthcare professional will have to provide evidence that it causes severe functional impairment, such as:
- severe or chronic pain originating from nerve root or lumbar spine compression
- limited spinal movement
- loss of bodily reflexes
- loss of motor function, such as an inability to stand, walk, or use your arms and hands
- muscle weakness
- numbness or loss of tactile sensation
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with back pain and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
