Is arthritis in the spine a disability?

If you have arthritis in the back or spine, it can cause severe pain and limit your mobility. Any kind of spinal condition can disrupt your ability to function on a daily basis. If you cannot work due to spinal arthritis, you may be able to qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).


What spine disorders qualify for disability?

What Spine Disorders Qualify for Disability Benefits?
  • Degenerative Disc Disease.
  • Facet Arthritis.
  • Herniated Nucleus Pulposus.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Spinal Arachnoiditis.
  • Spinal Stenosis.
  • Vertebra Fractures.


What type of arthritis qualify for disability?

You may automatically qualify for benefits if your arthritis is affecting your spine and compromising any nerve roots within the spinal cord. Arthritis should cause your spinal cord to experience widespread pain, limited flexibility, and inflammation that necessitates a change in positioning every few hours.


How hard is it to get disability for arthritis?

Overall, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is more likely to qualify you for benefits the more severe your impairment is. If your arthritis is consistent, untreatable, severely debilitating, and/or prevents you from earning a living for more than one year, then the chances you will receive benefits are high.

How serious is arthritis in the spine?

Severe arthritis of the spine can sometimes lead to compression of the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, numbness and limited range of motion. Decompression surgery – also called a laminectomy – removes a portion of the vertebra (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and free up the nerve roots.


What is Spinal Arthritis?



Can anything be done for arthritis of the spine?

Spinal arthritis treatment may include pain medications, steroid injections, physical therapy and surgery in severe cases.

How do I get rid of arthritis in my spine?

Diagnosis and Treatment of Arthritis of the Spine
  1. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the back.
  2. Medications to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
  3. Weight loss and regular exercise, which can increase the strength and flexibility of back muscles.


What is the most approved disability?

What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.


What happens if I can't work because of arthritis?

If you have to stop work or work part time because of your arthritis, you may find it hard to cope financially. You may be entitled to 1 or more of the following types of financial support: if you have a job but cannot work because of your illness, you're entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from your employer.

Is arthritis a long term disability?

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions leading to long term disability. Many people with arthritis find their range of motion too limited and joint pain too unbearable to continue working.

How long does it take to get disability for arthritis?

The claim process may take several months and up to 2 years. After approval, there is a 5-month period before a person starts to get benefits. Private insurance may provide assistance during the waiting period. A person can appeal if the SSA rejects their application.


How much disability is arthritis?

Degenerative arthritis, caused by overuse of the joints or an injury, is the most common form of arthritis in veterans and is rated under Diagnostic Code 5003. Veterans receive either a 10% or 20% rating depending on the severity of their symptoms and the number of joints affected.

What percentage of disability do you get for arthritis?

Degenerative Arthritis (Diagnostic Code 5003)

Degenerative arthritis will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation. VA requires that limitation of motion be confirmed by observations such as swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion.

At what point is back pain a disability?

In order to be considered a 'disability,' your back pain must involve, among others, one of the following: Herniated discs. Compressed nerves. Degenerative disc disease.


Is it hard to get disability for back problems?

Back problems are one of the most common reasons people apply for Social Security disability benefits. However, getting approved for disability due to back pain is difficult because most back pain claims are based largely on pain.

Does degenerative back qualify for disability?

Degenerative disc disease by itself is not recognized as a listed disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Why? For one reason, the pain caused by disc degeneration is usually intermittent, and often goes away after a few months of conservative treatment.

Should you work through arthritis pain?

If you have arthritis, participating in joint-friendly physical activity can improve your arthritis pain, function, mood, and quality of life. Joint-friendly physical activities are low-impact, which means they put less stress on the body, reducing the risk of injury.


What are the best jobs for people with arthritis?

10 jobs to consider if you have arthritis
  • Contractor.
  • Customer service representative.
  • Accountant.
  • Editor.
  • Virtual assistant.
  • Writer.
  • Data analyst.
  • Software engineer.


How does arthritis limit your ability to work?

Rheumatoid arthritis can impact multiple joints. Because of this, it can prevent you from standing or sitting for long periods of time. It can also keep from being able to reach, lift, carry, pull, or handle things. You may require assistance for your mobility, such as the use of a walker or cane.

What is the easiest disability to prove?

The Top 5 Easiest Things to Claim for VA Disability
  • Mental Health Conditions. Mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and somatic disorder are considered high-value claims. ...
  • Scars. ...
  • Musculoskeletal Conditions. ...
  • Presumptive Disorders. ...
  • Tinnitus.


What state is hardest to get disability?

Top 5 Best States to Apply for Disability Benefits in 2023
  • #5 Tennessee: 54% Approval Rating. ...
  • #4 New Jersey: 56% Approval Rating. ...
  • #3 New Mexico: 56% Approval Rating. ...
  • #2 Utah: 63% Approval Rating. ...
  • #1 Hawaii: 67% Approval Rating. ...
  • Hardest State To Get Disability. ...
  • 2 Minutes To See If You Qualify. ...
  • Additional Resources.


What not to tell a disability doctor?

Limit yourself to only talk about your condition and not opinions. Do not tell a disability doctor you think you are dying, that you think the examination is unnecessary, that you do not trust doctors, or that you believe your current medical treatment is not good.

What causes spinal arthritis to flare up?

For most people, the flare risk increases when treatments are tapered or stopped. Other triggers include overexertion, stress, infection or poor sleep. “Disease-modifying arthritis therapies are NOT cures; they maintain patients (hopefully) in states of low-disease activity or occasionally even remission.


What should I avoid with spinal arthritis?

People with cervical spine osteoarthritis should avoid putting extra pressure on the head and neck, such as doing as headstands in yoga classes. Prolonged sitting at a desk or in a car can aggravate pain and stiffness in the back and neck. Frequent, short breaks to stand, stretch, and walk can be helpful.

What kind of doctor treats arthritis of the spine?

Orthopedists are surgeons who address bone and joint diseases and injuries, such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, and body trauma.