Back and spine claims are won on the evidence.
Back and spinal conditions are the most common reason people receive Social Security disability — and among the most scrutinized. We build the medical record that proves how your condition keeps you from working.
How SSA evaluates a back or spine claim.
Musculoskeletal disorders are the single largest category of disability approvals — but back-pain claims draw extra scrutiny because pain itself can’t be measured on a scan. The key is connecting your symptoms to objective clinical findings.
Evidence is everything. SSA wants imaging (MRI, CT, or X-ray), evidence of nerve-root compression, spinal stenosis, or disc herniation, documented range-of-motion limits, and a consistent treatment history — physical therapy, injections, medication, or surgery.
Even if your condition doesn’t meet a Blue Book listing exactly, you can still qualify if your limits on sitting, standing, walking, and lifting make full-time work unrealistic. Your doctor’s opinion on those functional limits carries real weight.
How SSA evaluates spine claims.
SSA evaluates the functional impact of your condition — how it limits your ability to sustain full-time work — not the diagnosis alone.
Back & Spine-related limitations SSA evaluates.
These are the functional limitations that most often determine whether a back & spine claim is approved.
Sitting and standing tolerance
Most back conditions limit how long you can stay in one position. We document exactly how long you can sit, stand, and walk before pain forces a change.
Lifting and carrying limits
SSA classifies work by exertion level. Evidence that you can’t lift even 10 pounds repeatedly can rule out entire categories of jobs.
Need to change position or lie down
If you must alternate positions frequently or lie down during the day, few jobs accommodate that — a powerful point at a hearing.
Winning disability for back & spine: what we do.
Disability law is all we do. Here’s how we build a back & spine claim that wins.
Build the record
Gather every imaging study, treatment note, and specialist record that documents your condition.
Functional opinion
Get a detailed functional-capacity opinion from your treating physician.
Hearing-ready
Frame your limitations in SSA’s vocational terms so the judge and vocational expert can’t dismiss them.
Back & Spine SSDI questions.
Can I get disability for chronic back pain?
Do I need surgery to qualify?
What if my MRI looks “normal” but I’m in pain?
Does SSA have a listing for back problems?
How long will my back-pain claim take?
What does it cost to hire you?
Back & Spine keeping you from working? Let’s review.
Free case review. No obligation. We respond within 2 business hours.