Lower back pain, neck pain and joint pain can be debilitating, making everyday activities such as sitting, standing, walking, driving, working and sleeping nearly unbearable. For some people experiencing lower back pain, neck pain and joint pain, the intensity of the pain can fluctuate. You may be mobile one day and unable to perform a simple task the next day.
Over half of all SSD claims involve back or other joint injuries. These are difficult cases, particularly for claimants who are under the age of 50. Overlooked symptoms often experienced by those who suffer from lower back pain can include poor sleep, limited mobility and ability to perform activities of daily living, problems with memory, concentration or attention, and depression and anxiety. It is important to report all your symptoms to your doctors, not just the obvious ones. Thus, it is important for you to be honest with yourself and your doctors about your symptoms and functional limitations.
For a neck injury, it is important to document your physical limitations. In particular, it is important to document any problems you have using your arms and hands. For instance, if you are unable to operate a keyboard, or if you have problems gripping items (drop things), it is important to document these limitations in your medical records.
Consider these questions when talking with your doctors: Do you use a cane or another assistive device? Do you wear any type of brace? Do you use a TENS unit? Exactly how many hours are you able to sleep a night? What interferes with your sleep? Do you nap during the day? How many days a week do you take naps? How many times a day do you take naps? Has your doctor said you are a candidate for surgery?
If you are suffering from back, neck or joint pain, we can help. For more information or to schedule a free initial consultation and free case evaluation with a trusted SSDI and SSI lawyer serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding region, please contact us online or call our office in Jenkintown: 215-886-0398 or Philadelphia: 215-323-5320 to arrange a free initial consultation with our experienced disability lawyer about SSD/SSI eligibility due to back, neck or joint pain. Disability and Injury Law Offices of David R. Machek, Esq. www.disabilitylawpa.com