Back pain claims are among the most prevalent long-term disability (LTD) claims. Unsurprisingly, insurance companies frequently dismiss these claims, citing a lack of objective data to substantiate the intensity of pain reported. Because LTD claims centered around back problems are difficult to prove, it is critical to learn how to maximize your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve. Talk to an expert today to learn more about conditions that qualify for LTD.
The common types of back problems
The back’s bones, ligaments, muscles, discs, and tendons can all cause painful medical disorders, any of which can qualify you for LTD payments if severe enough. These are a few examples of the most common ones:
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Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
The degeneration of the cartilage discs that protect your vertebrae characterizes this illness. While healthy discs are flexible and absorb shock, people with DDD have thin and stiff discs, resulting in chronic lower back discomfort that can radiate into the hips, buttocks, or legs. Most people over the age of 60 have some amount of disc degeneration. Severe DDD instances may require the insertion of an artificial disc or spinal fusion surgery.
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A herniated disc
A herniated disc, or a ruptured disc or slipped disc, happens when the disc’s cartilage’s soft interior bursts through the disc’s harder outer and extend into the spinal canal. This can cause nerve irritation, resulting in pain, tingling, and numbness in the arms and legs. Sciatica is when pain spreads down the long sciatic nerve from the lower back into the lower legs due to herniated discs. A bulging disc is less dangerous than a herniated disc and rarely causes disability alone.
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Spinal stenosis
A narrowing of the spinal canal, known as spinal stenosis, most commonly develops in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower) portions of the back. Stenosis compresses the nerve roots (in lumbar stenosis) or the spinal cord (in cervical stenosis), which is extremely damaging. Common stenosis symptoms include back pain, pain in the shoulders, arms, and hands, numbness, and pain extending into the buttocks and legs. Anti-inflammatory medications, exercise, physical therapy, and nerve decompression surgery are all options for treatment.
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Sacroiliitis
Ankylosing spondylitis, sacroiliitis, and arachnoiditis are all inflammatory disorders caused by arthritis, infection, or osteoporosis. Ankylosing spondylitis is a kind of arthritis of the spine that is thought to be inherited. Symptoms include stiffness, weariness, chills, and fever. It is typically treated with muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatories, but surgical intervention may be required. Sacroiliitis is an inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, which connect the pelvis and lower spine. In contrast, arachnoiditis is a painful disorder caused by membrane inflammation that protects the spinal cord’s nerves.
To learn more about back problems and SSD benefits, talk to an experienced disability attorney today.
