Chronic back pain disability is one of the most common causes of a long-term disability claim. However, it is also a very difficult disability to prove.
Chronic back pain can be minor or severe. Symptoms can include an inability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time. It may also be difficult to lift or carry heavy weight.
Our chronic back pain disability attorneys can tell you that it is not uncommon for back pain to go into the rest of the body. When the pain shoots down to the legs it is known as radiculopathy. Depending on which nerves are affected in your body, back pain can also cause numbness in the legs, back, shoulders, or arms. Severe pain may affect bladder or bowel functions.
People suffering from back pain may also be required to take pain medications. These medications can result in cognitive impairments. The pain and medications can also cause severe fatigue. All of this combined may make it impossible to continue working.
Back pain may be proven through MRIs or X-rays that show disc disease, stenosis, nerve root compression, or other issues. For example, your doctor can say that based on the MRI of your lumbar spine, your reports of pain and tingling are consistent and expected. The more that you and your doctor can support your condition with objective medical testing and records, the better for your claim.
Call (800) 969-0488 today to get the disability benefits that you deserve. Our disability insurance lawyers can help you get started by offering a free consultation!
However, it is also possible that tests cannot show why you have chronic back pain. And your doctor may not be able to explain why you have back pain. But that does not mean your pain is not real or disabling. The issue is that it makes your claim for disability even more difficult.
It is helpful if your doctor provides a detailed explanation of what you can and cannot do based on your back pain. This is known as your restrictions and limitations. The more information, documentation, and test results your doctor can provide, the better your chances of getting disability benefits.
Back pain is subjective in nature. Insurance companies claim there is a lack of evidence supporting disability. Even if MRIs or X-Rays show herniated discs or degenerative disc disease, your disability insurance company may not pay the claim.
Also, disability insurance companies commonly treat surgery as a cure for back pain. In fact, the opposite is usually true. While surgery can provide some relief, it is not uncommon for chronic back pain to continue after surgery. If you are still unable to work after surgery, it is important to show that your pain continues.
Our experienced team has handled hundreds of cases involving chronic back pain disability. We know how to approach each case, regardless of which insurance company you are covered by. Our law firm helps clients across the country and can represent you at any stage of your long-term disability claim.
Contact us at (800) 969-0488 to learn more about how our lawyers can help you.