How to Apply for Social Security Disability for a Bad Back

The Social Security Administration provides disability benefits for certain people who can't work for at least one full year due to back problems. Disabling conditions that may allow you to qualify for benefits include spinal arachnoiditis; lumbar spinal stenosis; herniated discs that put excessive pressure on nerves; scoliosis and other conditions causing abnormal curvature of the spine; severe degenerative disc disease; and other conditions that affect the muscles in the back, causing severe weakness in the legs, incontinence or other serious problems that make it difficult to function normally on the job.

Instructions

• 1

  Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss how your bad back prevents you from working. Ask your doctor how long you should expect your symptoms to continue. Let your doctor know you plan to apply for Social Security disability benefits: The Social Security Administration will contact him for information about your condition.

• 2

  Begin your application online (see Resources) or visit any Social Security Administration office (see Resources) to begin your application.

• 3

  Fill out the application, providing as much detail about your condition as you can. Be very specific. For instance, don't just say you have trouble working because you have a bad back and it hurts: Say you have two herniated discs and, because of severe pain, you can't lift heavy items at work and must ask co-workers to do that part of your job for you. The application doesn't provide much room to write in information, but you can add as much paper as you need to give complete answers.

• 4

  Provide names, addresses and telephone numbers of all health-care providers that have ever treated you for your bad back, even if it was years ago. Include physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, hospitals, emergency rooms and urgent-care centers. Explain all the different treatments you've tried for your back problem, including a list of all medications you've taken, steroid injections, chiropractic treatments, physical therapy, special exercises and surgeries. Include the results of each treatment as well.

• 5

  Sign a release-of-information form as requested so that the Social Security Administration can request information from your health care providers.

• 6

  See another doctor for a second opinion if asked to do so by the Social Security Administration. The doctor doesn't work for the Social Security Administration but provides a written report about your condition and how it affects your ability to function on the job. You don't have to pay for this evaluation.