Is it possible to obtain disability benefits for spinal problems?

Disability benefits for spinal problems are a possibility but medical records and results of medical tests will prove to be extremely important when you apply to Social Security for benefits.  Even with medical tests including X-rays and CT scans, or MR imaging, there may still be difficulty in showing the relationship between the condition and the pain you are suffering.  The reason for this is because the tests may indicate that the abnormality is not so severe.  However, this may not be a true indicator of the amount of pain and therefore disability, the person is suffering.

In determining your eligibility for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration will consider the medical records, your reported pain and symptoms, and your credibility determined by your behavior and your activity limitations.  Do you follow the doctor’s treatment and how do you respond to the designated treatment.  Psychological factors while difficult to measure are very important when we are talking about back pain and spinal problems.  However, because Social Security cannot measure it, it is not considered as it should be in determining eligibility for benefits.

Can you do your job with or without modifications?  Can you do another job for which you are qualified?  If Social Security determines that you that the answer to one of these questions is yes, you may not be eligible. Unfortunately if one doesn’t have back pain or spinal problems, he/she cannot understand how debilitating it is. 

If you have spinal problems and back pain, be sure that you follow treatment recommendations, take all medical tests, and seek the advice and assistance of an attorney as these claims are difficult, complicated, and generally denied the first time you apply.