Anyone who has experienced even moderate back pain knows that it can certainly be debilitating. Despite the fact that a large number of Americans suffer from back pain daily, and many of them are unable to function ideally because the discomfort, it can be quite a difficult process to successfully qualify for disability benefits due to back pain.
In order to even have your request for Social Security disability considered for back pain-related problems, you are required to have documentation of a “medically determinable” impairment lasting for a year or more. Simply claiming to have a debilitating impairment from back pain will not suffice, regardless of how long it has been affecting you. Also, back pain that can be easily associated with temporary injuries which often heal in a matter of weeks or months are unlikely to be considered.
To this end, it is necessary to obtain documentation that will clearly express the physical nature of what is causing your pain. Medical documents such as MRI’s and x-rays, as well as notes from your medical practitioner must be able to show that you are suffering from some form of abnormality involving your spine or spinal canal. Otherwise, regardless of how real your suffering may be, pain that cannot be associated with a documentable physical ailment in your back will almost certainly be denied as grounds for receiving disability benefits.
Regardless of how and when your back pain began, you are entitled to have your rights protected and represented. Qualified legal counsel can help you understand your options regardless of your condition and assist you navigate through the complex process of receiving the Social Security assistance you need.
