Degenerative Disc Disease and Social Security Disability

Posted in Social Security Disability on May 20, 2014

One of the most common claims our Nashville Social Security disability attorney encounters is for degenerative disc disease (DDD). DDD is a painful condition often described as an aching, burning, stabbing or stinging sensation. Many people with DDD feel “pressure” in the lower back. The symptoms may radiate to other areas of the body including the hips, thighs, calves, or even the feet, depending on which discs are involved. DDD can greatly affect a person’s ability to function at work or in their daily activities. People with DDD find that standing, walking, sitting, lifting, bending and twisting are all painful. Simple tasks such as housework or sitting at a computer can become difficult or unbearable.

DDD may be caused by an injury, the aging process or for no apparent reason. It is frequently seen among people who have a work history involving manual or heavy labor.

Most physicians initially treat the pain caused by DDD with conservative measures. These may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), physical therapy, chiropractics, or spinal injections. If these measures fail, and if the nature of the problem is treatable with surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon may choose a surgical option.

DDD may be severe enough to prevent a person from performing their past work, but still allow someone to perform less exertional jobs. In order for DDD to be found disabling under the Social Security rules, it must prevent you from not only performing past work, but it must also be severe enough to prevent work at other less stressful levels, depending on the claimant’s age, education and past work experience.

If you need to speak to an experienced Social Security disability attorney familiar with degenerative disc disease, call us at 615-256-8880.