Disability and Injury Law Offices of David R. Machek, Esq

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Back, Neck And Joint Pain

Back Pain

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.

At the Disability and Injury Law Offices of David R. Machek, we help people obtain Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits for neck, joint and lower back pain.

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. Stronger claims will include pain management treatment, and mental health treatment for depression and/or anxiety. Therefore, it is important to report all your symptoms to your doctors, not just the obvious ones.

Overlooked symptoms often experienced by those who suffer from lower back pain can include poor sleep and the need to nap during the day, limited mobility and ability to perform activities of daily living, problems with memory, concentration or attention, and depression and anxiety.

It is important to document the impact your back, neck or another joint pain has on your life. We advise clients to be honest with themselves about their symptoms and functional limitations. We advise them to be honest with their doctors.

It is also important to get help from a doctor who supports your SSD claim. It is important that your medical records are as specific as possible, meaning that they accurately describe your symptoms and functional limitations. Tell your doctor if you have any difficulty with any of these activities: standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, bending, driving, or using your arms or hands.

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?

We advise our clients to follow their doctors’ advice. For instance, if your doctor orders an MRI or EMG, we advise you to schedule the appointment. If your doctor encourages physical therapy, we advise you to keep your appointments. Your primary care physician may also refer you to an orthopedist or neurologist. Diagnostic testing can be crucial to a claim’s success. If you are referred to pain management or mental health treatment, follow through with those referrals. Treatment of that nature will strengthen your claim.

Neck And Hand Pain

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.

Questions about how the Disability and Injury Law Offices of David R. Machek can help? Contact us today to arrange your free consultation.

Do not believe anyone who tells you that the Social Security Disability process is simple. To schedule an initial consultation and case evaluation with a trusted SSDI and SSI lawyer serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding region, please contact us online or call at Jenkintown 215-385-5353 or Philadelphia 215-323-5320 to arrange a free initial consultation with our lawyer about SSD/SSI eligibility.