Can You Get Disability for Back Pain? Eligibility Explained
Yes, you can get disability for back pain, but it’s not a guarantee. The Social Security Administration will only approve benefits if your back problems are severe, well-documented, and prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people file disability claims. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most frequently denied. Conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal arachnoiditis, and other spinal disorders may qualify.
But you must present clear medical records and evidence that treatment has not restored your ability to work.
This guide explains what back pain is, common symptoms, treatment options, how the SSA reviews claims, and how to strengthen your case so you have the best chance at approval.
About Back Pain
Back pain is not a single medical condition. It is a symptom that can be caused by a variety of problems affecting the bones, discs, nerves, muscles, or ligaments in your back.
Pain may be acute, lasting only a few days or weeks, or chronic, persisting for 12 weeks or longer despite treatment.
Some of the most common causes include:
Degenerative disc disease, which is age-related wear and tear on the spinal discs
Herniated discs, when a disc bulges or ruptures and presses on nearby nerves
Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause nerve root compression
Osteoarthritis, which wears down cartilage in the joints of the spine
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that can damage spinal joints and cause inflammation
Injury or trauma from accidents, falls, or repetitive strain
Scoliosis and other structural abnormalities of the spine
For some people, the pain is occasional and manageable. For others, it becomes chronic back pain that interferes with work, daily activities, and overall quality of life.
Common Symptoms of Back Pain
Back pain symptoms can vary based on the underlying condition. Both back injuries and degenerative diseases can cause significant symptoms, including:
Persistent aching or stiffness anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the lower back
Sharp, localized pain after movement or heavy lifting
Pain that radiates down one or both legs, often called sciatica
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet
Difficulty standing, sitting, or walking for long periods
Reduced flexibility and limited range of motion
These symptoms can disrupt not only physically demanding jobs but also sedentary work, especially if you must frequently change positions or take breaks due to pain.
Treatment Options for Back Pain
The Social Security Administration will expect proof that you have pursued appropriate treatment before they consider approving benefits. Even with consistent care, many people with degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or other serious back problems continue to experience chronic pain.
Below are some of the most common treatments your medical records should reflect as part of your treatment plan, along with how they might impact your ability to work.
Medications
Doctors often start with medication to help reduce pain and inflammation so you can participate in daily activities and physical therapy. Options may include:
Over-the-counter NSAIDs to control inflammation and mild discomfort
Prescription muscle relaxants to relieve painful spasms
Nerve pain medications to calm overactive nerve signals from issues like nerve root compression
Opioids, used only short-term in severe cases when other pain management treatments have failed
While medications may improve symptoms, they can also cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or gastrointestinal issues, which can further affect your ability to work.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most common non-surgical treatments for back pain. Programs are typically customized to your needs and may involve:
Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve stability and flexibility
Posture training to reduce strain on the spine during work and daily activities
Manual therapy or spinal manipulation to improve mobility and reduce stiffness
For some, physical therapy restores enough function to return to work. For others, particularly those with chronic back pain or severe degenerative disc disease, improvement is limited.
Injections
When medications and therapy are not enough, injections may be used to target inflammation or nerve pain more directly. These can include:
Epidural steroid injections to reduce swelling around spinal nerves
Nerve blocks for focused pain relief in a specific area
Injections often provide temporary relief, sometimes lasting only weeks or months, and may require repeat procedures that do not fully restore function.
Surgery
Surgery is usually reserved for severe back pain or worsening cases when other treatments have failed. Common procedures include:
Discectomy to remove part of a herniated disc pressing on nerves
Laminectomy to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves by removing part of the vertebrae
Spinal fusion to stabilize the spine by permanently joining two or more vertebrae
Although surgery can reduce pain for some, there is no guarantee of a pain-free outcome, and some people continue to have chronic pain afterward.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can support medical treatments and help reduce strain on your back. Common recommendations include:
Weight management to take pressure off the spinal column
Ergonomic adjustments at work or home to improve posture
Activity modification, such as avoiding heavy lifting or high-impact exercise, to prevent flare-ups
While these changes may make daily life easier, many people with advanced back problems still need disability benefits when symptoms persist.
Can You Get Disability Benefits for Back Pain?
The SSA will not approve SSDI benefits based solely on reports of pain. You must provide objective medical evidence, such as documentation of severe pain or nerve damage, showing that your back condition significantly limits your ability to work.
The SSA’s Blue Book lists specific back-related musculoskeletal disorders that may qualify, including:
Listing 1.15: Disorders of the skeletal spine resulting in compromise of a nerve root
Listing 1.16: Lumbar spinal stenosis resulting in pseudoclaudication
If you do not meet these listed qualifying conditions, the SSA will assess your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC).
Your RFC describes what you can still do despite your functional limitations and is based on your medical records, test results, and statements from your doctors. An RFC that shows you cannot sit, stand, walk, or lift at the levels required for even sedentary work can support your claim.
Criteria for Getting Disability Benefits With Back Pain
To give your back pain claim the best chance of success, you will need:
Diagnostic imaging tests, such as MRI, CT scans, or X-rays confirming your condition
Objective findings like nerve root compression, nerve damage, muscle weakness, or reduced range of motion
Medical records showing consistent treatment and ongoing symptoms
Detailed statements from your doctors describing your work-related restrictions, such as sitting, standing, or lifting limits
Proof that you cannot return to past work or adjust to new work given your education, age, and experience
Without thorough and consistent medical documentation, it is very difficult to win approval.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits
Filing for Social Security benefits can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already coping with chronic back pain. The application process is detailed, and missing even one piece of information can delay or derail your claim.
By following each step carefully and providing complete, accurate information, you can give your application the best chance of success.
Step 1 – Choose How to Apply
You can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income:
Online at the SSA website
By phone at 1-800-772-1213
In person at your local Social Security office (appointments recommended)
Step 2 – Gather Documentation
Prepare all necessary documents before applying, including:
Personal identification, such as your Social Security number and birth certificate
Medical history, such as imaging results, treatment notes, and test reports
Work history covering the last 15 years
Medication list, including side effects that limit your ability to work
Step 3 – Complete the Application Accurately
When you fill out your application, be precise and thorough about how your condition limits you. General statements such as “I have back problems” do not give the Social Security Administration enough information to make a fair decision.
Instead, describe the specific activities you struggle with and the extent of those limitations. For example, you might write:
“I can only sit for 15 minutes before pain forces me to stand. I must change positions frequently, and walking more than a short distance causes numbness in my legs.”
Providing this level of detail helps the SSA understand the real impact of your back problems on your ability to work. The more accurately you describe your functional limitations, the stronger your case will be during the review process.
Step 4 – Prepare for an Appeal
Most initial applications are denied. If this happens:
File for reconsideration within 60 days
Submit new or updated medical evidence
Consider hiring a disability attorney to prepare for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge
Get Help With Your Disability Claim
Applying for disability benefits when you are living with chronic back pain can feel overwhelming. The process is complex, and even strong Social Security disability claims can be denied because of incomplete records or missed deadlines.
At Impact Disability Law, we focus exclusively on helping people with real, life-limiting conditions get the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income benefits they deserve. We understand how degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, nerve root compression, and other back problems can make it impossible to maintain steady employment.
Our team will:
Collect and organize your medical records so the Social Security Administration sees the full picture of your condition
Complete your disability application and forms accurately to avoid delays
Represent you through the appeals process, including hearings before an Administrative Law Judge
Show how your Residual Functional Capacity prevents you from working in any consistent capacity
You do not have to face the SSA alone. If your chronic back pain is keeping you from working, contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin building a strong case to secure the disability benefits you need and deserve.