SSDRC




Filing an Application for Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability List of Impairments

Social Security Disability and SSI Back pay

Social Security Disability Status

SSI Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability and SSI Requirements

Social Security, SSI, and Mental Disability

How Long Does It Take To Get Disability Benefits?

Qualifying: What do you Need to Prove to Qualify for Disability?


Degenerative Disc Disease, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits




For more information on:   Social Security Disability and SSI Disability.



Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a painful condition most often caused by strenuous or repetitive heavy lifting or an injury such as a car accident, sports injury or serious fall that can affect the spine. The strain of lifting or injury can cause tears and trauma to the discs that separate the vertebrae in the spinal column, making them lose their elasticity and ability to flex, bend and protect the vertebrae and the spine.

Degenerative disc disease also happens normally in a gradual progression due to age and a loss of fluid in the discs, but does not usually cause a problem in this capacity. When Degenerative disc disease is caused by heavy lifting or injury it is more prominent and painful due to disc inflammation and subsequent nerve pain.

Degenerative disc disease is characterized by low back pain and sometimes neck pain that can spread to other parts of the body such as the thighs, buttocks and hips. It may be accompanied by tingling, numbness and weakness in the arms or legs and can lead to other more serious issues such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis. If you have lower back or neck pain, it is highly suggested that you get an exam to make sure it is not a serious issue. Degenerative disc disease can sometimes be diagnosed with a physical examination, although sometimes an X-ray is needed to determine the problem.

Contrary to the name, Degenerative disc disease is not actually a progressive disease, but a condition that normally happens slowly with age, unless an injury is sustained. Since Degenerative disc disease is more often an injury related condition and not a disease, it is most often treated with a combination of chiropractic work, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs such as over-the-counter pain medications or in some cases prescription pain relievers, or spinal injections. If these treatments do not work and the pain is chronic and severe, accompanied by nerve damage, spinal fusion surgery may be needed.

Currently there are many new treatments options being explored for Degenerative disc disease, from disc replacement and stem cell therapies to gene therapy and glucosamine injections.














Return to:  

  • Social Security Disability & SSI Resource Center

  • Social Security Disability, SSI Questions and Answers












    Individual Questions and Answers


  • Winning a Social Security Disability Appeal or SSI Appeal

  • What do you do after a Disability Claim is Denied?

  • What is the process for approving a Social Security disability claim ?

  • What happens if you are working when you file for disability or after you apply for disability?

  • Social Security Attorneys and What they do for you

  • Social Security Disability Income

  • Medical Evidence Used on a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim

  • What happens if a reconsideration for Social Security Disability or SSI is denied?

  • What is the maximum back pay you can get for Social Security disability ?

  • How do I check the status of my Social Security disability claim ?

  • Why Is It So Hard For People To Get Social Security Disability?

  • How long does it take to get a social security disability hearing decision?

  • Social Security Disability and Medication

  • What happens when you go to a Social Security disability hearing ?

  • Social Security Disability And SSI Qualifications - What is the examiner looking for?

  • How Much Do You Get For Disability If You Are Awarded Benefits?

  • How does a Social Security attorney get paid ?

  • Is it hard to qualify for Social Security benefits if you have depression ?

  • How Often Does Social Security Approve Disability The First Time You Apply?

  • For Social Security Disability, What Does It Mean When Your Case Gets Sent Out For Review?

  • Do you get disability back payments from social security?














    Return to Social Security Disability Resource Center


    Or click to one of the following:


    Return to -- Social Security Appeals Time Limit

    Return to -- Can I Talk To the Disability Examiner Working On My Case?

    Return to -- What Expenses Will A Social Security Attorney Charge In Addition To The Fee?

    Return to -- Do Most People Need To See A Judge To Get Disability Benefits From Social Security?

    Return to -- Social Security Disability Lawyers and 25% Back Pay

    Return to -- Will Social Security Attempt To Get A Letter From Your Doctor To Help Your Case?

    Return to -- What Is The Difference In SSD and SSI?

    Return to -- How is Social Security Disability and SSI Awarded?

    Return to -- Will my children get benefits if I get approved for disability?

    Return to -- Why Does It Take So Long To Get A Call Back From The Social Security Office?

    Return to -- Does Being Represented On A Disability Claim Win The Case Faster?

    Return to -- Applying for Disability according to state of residence

    Return to -- Social Security Disability SSI Blog ,

    Return to -- Social Security Disability and Money in the Bank

    Return to -- How long do you have To Be Out Of Work Before You Get Social Security Disability (SSD)?

    Return to -- The first appeal in a social security disability or SSI case

    Return to -- Using a Lawyer for an SSDI Disability Case

    Return to -- Social Security Disability SSI, Medical and Mental Conditions and Problems

    Return to -- Disability Lawyers - Questions about Hiring a Disability Attorney

    Return to -- Disability Lawyers in Various States







    Additional Topics

    Disability benefits - are children eligible?

    Disability for children, how do you apply for a child?

    How long can you receive disability?

    Social Security Disability Doctor visits

    Apply for disability mental condition

    How long does it take to get a Social Security Disability or SSI decision ?

    Disability Multiple health problems

    What medical conditions can you apply for disability for ?