Back Pain and Social Security Disability

By Kimberly Bishop | July 1, 2013 | Disability and Diseases

If you are suffering from back pain and are considering filing a claim for Social Security Disability, it will help to know how the Social Security Administration evaluates back pain. For a discussion of the disability process look here.

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Causes and Types of Back Pain

Back pain can be in the cervical (top), thoracic (middle) or lumbar (lower) part of your spine. Your back pain may start after an injury or it may start without an injury. Unfortunately, nerve root compression can cause extreme pain at any level of your spine. Cervical pain can cause numbness in your hands and arms. Lumbar pain can radiate from your low back all the way to your feet. Sciatica or loss of urinary function can occur. This pain can affect your ability to walk, sit, dress, bathe and even stand. For most people with back pain, the treatment options are: pain medications, physical therapy; steroid injections; electrical nerve stimulation and ultimately surgery.

Back Pain and Social Security Disability

The first step in attaining Social Security Disability is to apply for benefits at your local SSA office or online. After applying for Social Security Disability, your case is evaluated under the Five Step Sequential Evaluation Process. At Step 3, SSA can evaluate your cervical issues under Listing 1.015, Disorders of the skeletal spine resulting in a compromise of a nerve root. This listing requires pain, paresthesia or muscle fatigue AND neurological signs on physical exam (i.e. muscle weakness, signs of nerve root involvement) AND objective testing demonstrating nerve root compromise (CT, MRI or x-ray) AND the need for bilateral assistive devices OR the inability to use one of the upper extremities while needing to use the other extremity for the assistive device.

In simple terms, in order to meet 1.015, you have to have pain symptoms, tell your doctor about your pain, have a diagnostic test showing the cause of your pain and have problems ambulating or using your hands. This, like many listings, is difficult to meet. It should be noted that x-rays only show bone so it usually will not show nerve compression. MRIs are expensive. What happens if someone is unable to afford an MRI? The listing also requires documentation for the use of an assistive device, meaning a prescription from a doctor. Many doctors instruct their clients verbally to get a cane or walker because insurance doesn't always pay for these expenses. Without a MRI or prescription for an assistive device, you will not meet this listing. In addition, if you are unable to use your hands for fine and gross movements, working is the last thing on your mind.

Chances are, you will be unable to work long before you meet this listing. Do not worry about meeting this or any other listing. If you are following your doctors advise but your back pain still prevents you from working, you should file a claim for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as possible.

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