Back Pain Claims Can be Challenging, But Can be Won

Cases of back pain, especially involving lower back problems, are some of the most challenging to prove in a Social Security Disability claim. Unfortunately, “objective medical findings” such as x-rays may not fully support a patient’s experience of pain and limited movement. A case of disability based on low back problems is sometimes a clear one – such as a case of a ruptured disk, particularly when surgery has failed to improve the condition. A case may also fall into the category of “other vertebrogenic disorders,” in the words of the regulation. In either case, in order to win the case, a claimant’s records must show: 1. Pain, muscle spasm, and significant limitation of motion in spine, and 2. Appropriate pain distribution and significant motor …