Spinal Stenosis Disability
Lawyer in California

Spinal Stenosis Disability Lawyer California

Spinal stenosis is a medical condition with narrowing spaces within the spine. The narrowing puts pressure on the spinal cord and other nerves. Some people diagnosed with the condition have only mild symptoms, if any, but many people are less fortunate.

The burning pain, weakness in the extremities, and other symptoms associated with spinal stenosis can become so severe that a person with the condition cannot work and earn a living. If this describes your current situation, you may be eligible for spinal stenosis disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs overseen by the Social Security Administration.

Qualifying for disability with spinal stenosis is no easy task, but help is available from the compassionate and results-oriented disability team at Sackett Law. Let us guide you through a complicated disability application process. Our outstanding disability lawyers know that comprehensive medical records documenting the condition are essential to support your claim for disability benefits, so we work closely with your medical providers to ensure that your records are comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date.

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

If the space within your spinal column or backbone narrows, it puts pressure on nerves and the spinal cord that travel through the spaces. The narrowing may occur anywhere along the spine but frequently happens in the neck or lower back. Common causes of spinal stenosis include bone spurs, disk herniation, tumors, and injuries.

Symptoms vary depending on whether the condition affects the lower back or neck, the two most commonly affected areas. Stenosis affecting the lower back, called lumbar spinal stenosis, may produce the following symptoms:

1. Pain in the lower back.
2. Pain radiating down a leg.
3. Leg cramping.
4. Leg and foot numbness or tingling.

Standing or walking for extended periods may worsen the pain and discomfort.

Symptoms associated with stenosis affecting the neck, also called cervical spinal stenosis include:

1. Neck pain.
2. Arm, hand, leg, and foot weakness.
3. Impaired balance.
4. Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, and feet.

The symptoms may include impaired hand function, affecting a person’s ability to manipulate their fingers to hold or pick up objects. Someone with cervical spinal stenosis may have difficulty writing.

Diagnosing And Treating Spinal Stenosis

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of spinal stenosis. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and review your medical history. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, are used to diagnose and treat the condition.

Depending on the location and severity of the condition, treatment options include corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and oral medications for inflammation and pain relief. Surgery may be an option when other treatments do not work.

Is Spinal Stenosis A Disability?

Disability claims for spinal stenosis undergo a rigorous review process to determine if you have a medical condition severe enough to prevent you from working and earning a living. The SSA maintains a listing of impairments that significantly restrict the ability of a person to engage in basic work-related activities, but you must meet the criteria for a specific listing.

Section 1.04 contains the listing criteria of spine disorders, including lumbar spinal stenosis. Your medical records must document that you match the requirements for the listed impairment to be eligible for disability benefits through SSDI and SSI.

If your condition is not a match or functional equivalent of a listed impairment, you still can qualify for COPD disability benefits. The medical condition must prevent you from doing any type of work, including jobs you did in the past or jobs currently available in the national economy.

Get Help From Experienced Disability Lawyers

For over four decades, Harvey Sackett and the disability team at Sackett and Associates have helped thousands of people throughout Northern California and the nation to navigate the complex and frustrating Social Security disability process. Whether you need assistance with an application or to appeal a denial of a claim, you can rely on a disability lawyer at Sackett Law to fight for you. If you cannot work because of chronic back pain disability, contact us today for a free consultation and claim evaluation by an experienced disability claim professional.