Back Pain: Social Security Disability
Back pain is one of the most common conditions debilitating Americans today. It is also one of the most challenging conditions to prove as a disability under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) standards. Generally, the SSA is looking for “inability to ambulate effectively on a sustained basis.” In other words, to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, you need to demonstrate that you are unable to move about for an extended period because of back pain. This inability must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months.
Some of the more specific conditions accepted by the Social Security Administration includes:
Disorders of the spine, such as herniated nucleus pulposus; spinal arachnoiditis; spinal stenosis; osteoarthritis; degenerative disc disease; facet arthritis; vertebral fracture; that results in compromising a nerve root (including the cauda equina) or the spinal cord.These conditions must include one (1) of the following three (3):
- Evidence of nerve root compression characterized by neuro-anatomic distribution of pain, limitation of motion of the spine, motor loss (atrophy with associated muscle weakness or muscle weakness) accompanied by sensory or reflex loss and, if there is involvement of the lower back, positive straight-leg raising test (sitting and supine);or
- Spinal arachnoiditis, confirmed by an operative note or pathology report of tissue biopsy, or by appropriate medically acceptable imaging, manifested by severe burning or painful dysesthesia, resulting in the need for changes in position or posture more than once every two hours;or
- Lumbar spinal stenosis resulting in pseudoclaudication, established by findings on appropriate medically acceptable imaging, manifested by chronic nonradicular pain and weakness, and resulting in inability to ambulate effectively.
If you feel your condition has, or will, prevent you from working for at least 12 consecutive months, and, if you believe you deserve Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI), click here or call Freedom Disability today at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation with one of our professional Disability Advocates. Our Advocates can determine if your condition is likely to result in a successful SSDI application. If you do qualify we can provide you with the assistance you need to get the benefits you deserve. At Freedom we are experienced in submitting Back Pain Disability applications and will assist you in gathering all necessary medical documents to support your claim.
The foregoing information is based on published materials from the Social Security Administration (“Disability Evaluation Under Social Security”). It is meant to serve as an introduction to some of the factors used by the SSA in evaluating cases. It is no way comprehensive. While Freedom Disability can help you prepare an effective application for benefits, only the SSA can determine whether or not you qualify. For more information call Freedom today at (866) 761-5942.
I have a back injury with a herniated disk and strain on my right side, since October 2004. I have had some more falls since inception and suffered a broken little toe on my left foot, in addition the a fall on my job in 2008 where i fell on my rt. hip and landed on my back.
My local doctor has declared me physically handicapped. I am unable to walk for any distance and lately, not able to sit or stand for any length of time. Presently for the past month, I’m experiencing soreness from my rt. hip & waist and continuous pain from my rt. shoulder toward my fingers. I reside in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands and work for the Virgin Islands Government in the Division of Cultural Education. 3407723645 X1
Thank you for letting me know if I have a case. I previously applied back in 2004 when I had the injury.
Let me also say that prior to that injury which was work related, I had a fall and damaged my Sciatic nerve when working for the Virgin Islands Legislature back in 1990.
Carol,
Thank you for contacting us. You will be hearing from one of our Eligibility Consultants to further discuss developing a case for disability benefits.
I have had problems with my back since late 2002. In July 2003, I had my first microdiscectomy ant L5-S1. In January 2004, had another microdiscectomy at L5–S1. In January 2005, had a microdiscectomy and fusion at L5-S1. At that time, in the doctors records, they indicate that I have some degenerative disk disease in my spine. I have had a functional capacity test I believe in 2006, where they had given me permanent restrictions of lifting no more than 3 # on a constant basis. In 2009, I underwent two right knee surgeries. In I believe it was February 2010, I was diagnosed with Chiari’s malformation of the spine which they believe was causing migraines. The doctor said she was going to refer me to a neurosurgeon but instead referred me to a headache doctor as to treat the symptoms and not take care of what was causing the symptoms. That doctor put me on Topimax which made the symptoms worse, so I quit taking the medication. In October 2010, I had another MRI done of the cervical spine, which did show the Chiaris malformation and also another herniated disk at the C4-C5 level. I talked to the doctor yesterday and the only thing she wants to do is put me back on the same medication (Cyclobenzaprine and Vicadin) and start me on physical therapy. It took me from 2002-2007 to get off the vicadin in the first place and do not feel that I should start back on that medication again. I also have been on Proair inhaler for athsma for several years. They also diagnosed me with a hyperactive thyroid in October 2010 which they believe is causing my legs to feel like jello. My hearing is another story. I have had a hearing problem since the age of five and recently had it checked. It had gotten progressively worse. I have another appointment on Oct. 25 for that but our insurance does not cover hearing aides and with only one income, because I cant work, we can not afford to get the hearing aides.
Dawn,
If you are not able to work have you considered applying for Social Security disability? If you have a work history and have paid into Social Security your medical condition may qualify you for benefits. After a 24-month waiting period while on disability benefits you can get Medicare too. You may want to find out more about whether or not you could be eligible by calling in to one of our Eligibility Consultants at 866-347-2910. We may be able to help you.
Applied for SSD twice, denied because of still working.Had to reapply w/same August 2010 as had too quit my job.Having unexplained weight loss 20lbs in 4 months,muscle wasting,atrophy,hearing disability and emphysema.40lbs weight limit at work and they wouldn’t listen so wound up with back injury.Have pinched nerve in cervical(neck) already and pinched sciatic nerve for 20yrs of lifting.X-rays say no herniated disk but pain level still sits at 9.Also,proved there is degeneration of discs both thoracic and lumber in spine,bony spurs,osteoporosis,adult onset scoliosis & atherosclerosis of aorta. Can no longer lift over 20lbs,stand,sit walk for long distances,repetative motions or use excursion of force (Pulling,pushing etc)without excruciating back pain.Burning in thighs,s.ob. and heart palpitations.Also disrupts pinched nerve in neck and causes Major Migraines,which I suffer from anyway. Have filled out all paperwork and finally have appt w/Doc of SSA choice.
My physician has done nothing to help and knows I can’t afford tests etc.Has only agreed to Muscle Atrophy as skinny as I’ve gotten.Nursing,inside/outside cusodial maintenance jobs are done and cannot answer phones in office settings,etc due to being 90% hearing impaired(even w/aides.) Currently have no $$,insurance or job.
i ve had back pain for 5 yrs.getting worse, mri showed l 4-s l level demonstrates a central dic herniation, without evidence of compression of either s l nerve root sleeve. also disc space desiccation and degeneration with a broad based central disc protrution, effacing the ventral aspect of the thecal sac l4 -l5
ive tried for ssi three times . denied they say no credits i worked but for our own buisness paid no st ind in for 8 yrs cant prove this to them can you help?
Denice,
We can’t help you prove your work credits. That would be something to work out with your local Social Security office. We can only help if you with your case if you meet Social Security disability eligiblity requirements.
I have had back pain for about 8 yrs now and it is only getting worse. Thre weeks ago I was diagnosed with hogdkins disease. I think that the two are the same problem but I can’t prove it. The back pain is resticting me from movement Every time I bend over it kills me and standing straight is the only way I can cope with the pain. The doctors tell me that it is probably arthritis in my lower back. I can not do the things I used to do because of the pain.Should I apply for disability?I am getting tired of the pain I do work because I have to. I am on muscle relaxers because of muscle spasms. they get bad enough to where I can not sit in a chair for more that a half hour. thank you what should I do !!!!
David,
You should talk to one of our Eligiblity Consultants who can explain your options and advise you about applying at this time. There are many factors involved. Severity of your condition and how it interferes with your ability to work at any job are key to determining disability. Please call 866-347-2910 if you’d like more guidance on what to do.
Your website says that if I feel I deserve disability, I can call for a free evaluation. When I called I was told that I could not get an evaluation. Is’nt this false advertising?
Gary,
If you called in to talk to an Eligiblity Consultant you were asked a series of questions to help us evaluate whether or not you meet our criteria for taking on your case, such as your age, onset date of disability and work history. By your answers, we unfortunately determinied that we cannot help you at this time. If you believe you qualify for disability benefits, you have the option to contact SSA directly.
My name is wayne, I am 48 years of age and I suffer with back pain ,due to back surgery I had two years ago. I work in a warehouse 10hr. A day, and sense my surgery the 10hr. Days are very hard to deal with. If you can help in any way I would appreciate it, the surgery I had was thracic spine surgery.
Wayne,
We’d like to help but first we need to evaluate your case. Please call toll free 1-866-347-2910 to talk to an Eligibility Consultant.
i have had back pain for years and it has gotten worse i found out i have 2 bulging disk in my lower back and had the shots and they did nothing i am in so much pain and it is not helping me work i have had to take off work because of the pain i have a medical card so they can’t do anything for me just give me pills it hurts to stand and just cook dinner and wash dishes applying for SSI if that would be my last option can some one help me please
Tina,
To determine if we can help you at this time we must evaluate your condition and eligiblity criteria. We’d like to help so please call us toll free at 1-866-347-2910 to speak with an Eligibility Consultant who can assess your options.
Dear Freedom, I have suffered with back pain since 2004. I was told that I have degenerative
disk disease in my two lower disks. I have had an MRI and X rays done and went to Neuorology but was told that at this time I am not surgical candidate. I have been sent to two different physical therapy…one for my back and one that deals with female issues. I also have problems with my bladder…I can not hold my urine and this of course causes incontinence, along with bowel issues. At the present, the Drs. at LSU Medical Center are going to do a bladder xray. Drs. presently have me taking Neurotin and Flexiral….3 x a day….I tried to apply myself, but when I put my birthdate in it kicks it out and tells me to correct my date. Do you think I would qualify for your program. Looking forward to hearing from you. Barbara Flores….
Barbara,
There are several factors considered in determining if you qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Your work history and functional capacity for work are also very important factors in determining disability eligibility. Please read our article about how Social Security uses vocational guidelines to determine disability. It would be best to talk to one of our Eligiblity Consultants who can better assess your situation. Please call 866-347-2910 during business hours 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Hello, I am 31yrs old and due to a car wreck in February 2009 I had to undergo spinal surgery in my neck in October 2009 to try to fix a severe herniation caused by whiplash by placing plates and screws which did not help much and since the surgery it was shown in a MRI that I have 3 more herniations as well as arthritis in the same place. I also have arthritis in my lower back with disk problems. I am not able to do normal activities standing, sitting,walking lifting or holding turning and holding neck or back without severe pain. I have applied and been denied I finally have a court date but am afraid I will get denied again because I don’t have the money to keep going to doctors and haven’t been in a while. I do not work im not able to. I am a mother of 2 and soon to be married again and have 3 step-children. I really need any advise and help if possible. Thank you so much.
Nicole,
Sorry for your situation. The process for getting approved for SSDI is very long and difficult. When you say you have a court date, I’m assuming this means you are scheduled for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. Please read our article “What Will Happen at My Social Security Disability Hearing” to help you understand what to expect. Admittedly, the younger a person is, the harder it is to get approved, unless the disability is very severe or life-threatening. This article about how SSA uses vocational guidelines to determine cases may be insightful for you too. Should you get approved, the amount will be calculated from what you paid into Social Security. It is the benefit you would get when you reach retirement age. There is also Supplemental Security Income which is for people with severe disabilities who have very low income and resources. But you must meet the income criteria to qualify for this benefit too. The best thing to do is to be prepared for your hearing. There’s no way of knowing the outcome. If you meet the work history criteria, have the support of your doctors and sufficient medical records to support why you can’t work at any job, the outcome may work in your favor. It comes down to being SSA’s decision.
My Condition is my back pain. I work as a paramedic and years ago I hurt myself on my job pulling a gentleman from a car accidemt who was high on LSD. My back popped. I was against any surgeries. I wanted to go to FD and work eventually a big scar n my back would not look to good. I cannot stand for more than 5 mins at all I cannot take it. I cannot bend over for a 5 mins or more. I have missed alot work due to my back problems please help. I cant walk across the room without needing to sit down.
Michael,
If you feel your condition has become so severe it is preventing you from working at any job, please call 866-347-2910 to talk to one of our Eligibility Consultants who can assess your situation and guide you on your options for Social Security disability benefits.
I was diagnosed with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea in 2008, I was falling asleep at the wheel while driving home from work, lived less than 30 minutes from the hospital I was working at when dignosed. My husband and I made the decision for me to quit working when the diagnosis was made in 2008, and I have not worked since then. In 2010 I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, and the doctor I was seeing at the time pescribed insulin for me to take, insurance would not cover the needed supplies for the insulin, such as the pen which is what I given a perscription for. I went to a different doctor for female issues, PCOS, and was prescribed Metformin 500mg 2x a day. I take my sugar every morning and only take one pill in the evening before I go to bed and with records showing that this dosage has kept my sugar under control. I was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease in 2011 with minor spurring in my cervial spine, I have x-rays to show this but due to no medical insurance I have not been able to obtain an MRI yet. I have applied for SSD and been denied, appealed and denied, am now awaiting an appointment before and Administrative Law Judge. I read the SS website and found that if a person cannot work, even at home, for at least 8 hours in a day without having to lay down or recline then they may qualify for SSD, this description fits me to a T. My children carry my laundry baskets for me, my husband has to carry the water bucket to our dog because I cannot without severe pain. I cannot stand the entire time it takes to cook a meal, or do the dishes, I have to take a break and recline to relieve the pain in my back, neck and shoulders. I have since been able to go to a low income sliding scale clinic in the area that I live in and have tried to take Lyrica, Celebrex, and Meloxicam for the severe back pain to no avail. Can you please help me to determine if I do qualify for SSD? I have work history as I have worked in the medical field since 1997, starting as Nurse Assistant from 1997 to 1998, then Certified Nurse Assistant from 1998 to 2003, then as Surgical Technologist from 2003 until 2008. I do have work histroy prior to 1997 working in fast food work, and factory work. Can you help me?
Nicole,
It sounds like you have gone through the initial and reconsideration levels of the SSD application process and are now waiting for your hearing, which is very often the best opportunity to get approved for disability benefits. If you have been going through this on your own, we hightly recommend that you do get a Social Security disability expert to represent you You do have past work history but you also must have a recent-enough work history from onset of disability to be insured for disability benefits. And then, you have to be able to prove to the judge why you can’t work at any job because of your medical condition. Our article, “What Will Happen at My Social Security Disability Hearing” is a good read to help you prepare for that day. If you don’t have a representative at this point, perhaps we can help. If interested, please call 866-347-2910.
I have scoliosis. i had the a spinal fusion and Harrington rods put it in 9 years ago. I am 26 now. I started to have complications with my back in 2005. I’ve always had back pain, but it got to the point where I’d start feeling numbness and tingling in my legs and feet. I have no medical insurance after turning 19, so I could never get my back checked by a specialist. I’ve gotten X-Rays, and they tell me nothing is wrong with the hardware as far as they can see. It’s at the point now where I have spasms all over my legs all the time. Feels like ants crawling on me, or fleas jumping. Spiderweb feelings. Numbness, tingling. Sometimes I can’t feel my feet, and it feels like I’m walking on air. I’ve felt sensations in my groin area, and on my stomach. I can’t stand or walk for too long. My legs give out, and I don’t have the strength to bend my legs back up.
I’ve applied for SSI in 2007, and got denied. I felt so hopeless, so I gave up after the first try. Now, the symptoms have gotten more severe. I’ve got issues with my neck now. My neck crackles easily, and bend it up and sideways causes sensations in my arms, hands, and down my body. I lose coordination in my hands, and have dropped things. I had a cat-scan on my neck not too long ago, and they discovered I had a ‘flat neck’ and bone degeneration. They said it’s possibly I could have a building disc too. Might have that in my back as well.
So, I just applied for SSI again, but I also applied for mental disability as well. I’ve got sever depression, and it’s literally disabling me from doing things I want to do. I can’t work. I can’t go out. I’m afraid of being in public. I have no real-life friends. I dropped out of school at age 16. When I am forced to go out in public, I hide my face with my long hair. I have intense self-hatred. When I say I have a mental disability, it’s literal, but that’s not relevant here.
So, I was denied for both the physical and mental disability. I need help. I need a doctor. I need to know what’s wrong. I am tired of the pain, I am scared that I’m gonna end up in a wheel chair. My family takes care of me, but I don’t even talk to my family. I barely even talk. I can only communicate with typing. Whenever I talk to my Mom, I have to send her messages over facebook.
I have 60 days to appeal this deny. My mom said something about getting a lawyer. My family is really poor. I was living with a friend for a few years who took care of me, and I moved back home in April. Since I moved back home, I lost 40 pounds.
Okay, I think I am ranting off topic. I tend to do that. Well basically I found out today that I was denied… AGAIN. I feel so hopeless. I want to give up. I feel like I am being punished, which is why I have these back and neck problems, and these mental problems. I look in the mirror and I look in my eyes, and I wonder what I did wrong.
I’m probably sounding way too dramatic here, and I’m sure it’s annoying. I figured I’d just post here since I don’t know what else I can do.
Hi i have chiari malformation and also a compression of the cfs flow and bulgig disk t5thru -t9and at L4-L5 there is a broad-based central disc protrusion and a annular tear there is a desiccation of L5-S1 disc there are facet degenerative changes af L-4-5 and sleep apnea and angina thanks to neuro problems from chiari and also edema both legs tremors neuro says my reflexs in both arms and legs are at least +1 and also ihave been told i have bipolar 1 panick disorder post tramatic stress and depression Hum ! i wonder why! with all this i have been denied ssdi benifits 2 times now and i am at the hearing level do you belive it no wonder iam depressed
I was burned in a house fire when I was 1 and a half years old. I have tried too work all of my life but the pain is too severe to do anything. i suffer from chronic neck,shoulder and back pain from 3rd degree burns that I received when I was still a baby now I’m 35 and can’t work!!!!
Malcolm,
I don’t know if you’re already receiving assistance due to your unfortunate condition. But you could get help through one of Social Security’s disablity programs. The two programs, SSDI and SSI are meant to help people with chronic disability who can’t work at any job. But there are strict eligibility rules to qualify for either program. It’s possible we can help but we won’t know unless we evaluate your situation. If interested, please call 866-347-2910 to talk to an Eligibility Consultant.
I start paperwork on Monday to medically discharge me from the Army. I’m 20 years old (soon to be 21) and have no idea how to survive when I get out. My primary doctor diagnosed with me degenerate disc disease, which a chiropractor, physical therapist, and pain management doctor have all agreed with. I am currently on Vicodin, Flexirol, Molixcam, and Nurontin. I can not stay bent over for longer than a couple minutes with out severe agony when I try to stand up straight. I am on a cane to help alleviate pressure from my right hip due to pain that shoots out down it from my back. I also can not lift or walk for long periods of time with out back pain. I’m not sure when the medical discharge process will be complete but do I in anyway qaulify for SSDI?
Alexander,
First, thank you for your service. There are eligibility criteria you must meet to get SSDI and I’m thinking that you are probably too young to be eligible. However, the VA is obligated to help you. And you can get medical help from them. If your condition is related to or aggravated by your military service, you can apply for disability benefits. I strongly urge you to contact our sister organization, Alpha at http://www.alphadisability.com They have veterans advocates there who can relate to your uncertainty about what to do about your medical problems after service. You might find some of their stories in the Alpha View section of interest to you. Click here for one of them. I hope you call them at 877-611-7724.
I was diagnosed with MS about a year and a half ago. I have carpal tunnel in both arms and hands. I have arthritis in my back (mostly lower). I work a job where I work about 10-13 hours a day as a supervisor in a food and beverage department for a casino. We are busy all the time and my body hurts all the time and it’s scaring me that I am not going to be able to deal with the pain in my job for much longer. I have worked almost 4 years for this company; however followed my boss to this casino, so worked for him for a total of about 12 years. I don’t miss work and I only used my FMLA for two days in a year(they said I could use it 4 times a month, if needed). It’s not that I don’t want to work; however it is causing stress for me. I am only 31 years old. What advice do you have for me as far as disability or another career. I do have an Elementary Education Degree and currently working on a Medical Coding Certificate. I make in the upper 30k and can not afford to make much less right now. HELP!
Hi Trina,
If you wanted to find out if you would even be eligible for SSDI benefits, I would advise you to call in for a free evaluation from one of our eligibility consultants. When you call in you’ll be asked about your service connected disability and how it interferes with your daily life. You’ll also be asked about your work history to help determine if you are insured for SSDI benefits. Again, this is a free consultation that will also give you some guidance on what your next steps should be. I hope you’ll call us at 866-761-5942.
-I’ve been suffering from herniated discs in my back(L4 L5 S1) since 2006. I also have a permanent cervical strain, and bulging neck disc-not to mention that I also have a chronic condition in my chest wall called costochondritis that causes me extreme amounts of pain that are un-managable. My depression, anxiety, and PTSD(post traumatic stress disorder) are documented going back almost thirty years;I am now 32 years old and cannot function in “normal society” due to my conditions. I have been denied benefits twice. I am awaiting the scheduling of a hearing at this point and am really concerned that I may be denied again when I am legitimately disabled and unable to work.
Hi Nicholas,
If you are looking for representation for your disability hearing, we may be able to help! I would advise you to call in for a free evaluation from one of our eligibility consultants. When you call in you’ll be asked about your disability and how it prevents you from functioning normally. Again, this is a free consultation that will also give you some guidance on what your next steps should be. I hope you’ll call us at 866-761-5942.
I am 56 year old female, my husband draws a disability check he gets medicare and his medical bills are paid I need to go to the dr but cannot afford to go I work part time but I cannot stand to be around people for along period of time I get real irrated and moody I am alright one minute the next minute I just want to slap you it seems that I am having mood swings really bad I sit and cry my back hurts and my left side just burns I can’t go to the dr because I cannot afford it seems like I am in a deep dark hole and I cant get out I have no medical records I have been hospitalized several times over the past 2 years would this make me eligiable.