Are you struggling to work because of pain from a bulging disc? If your condition makes it difficult to sit, stand, lift, use your arms and hands, or do your job for more than a few hours at a time, you could qualify for disability benefits. However, proving your claim will take more than just a diagnosis. You’ll need clear medical proof, detailed records, and a strong explanation of how your condition affects your ability to perform work related activities.
The disability lawyers at Crowe & Shanahan understand how difficult this can be. We focus on helping people in Missouri apply for and appeal Social Security disability claims, including those involving bulging discs. We know what local SSA offices and judges look for in bulging disc claims and can handle every part of your claim, from the initial application to the final decision.
Contact us now for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story and help you figure out your next steps.
A bulging disc happens when one of the soft cushions between the bones in your spine shifts out of place or breaks open (herniates). These cushions, called discs, sit between the vertebrae and help your back move smoothly.
When a disc bulges, it can press against nearby nerves. This pressure can cause pain, numbness, or weakness. Some people with bulging discs feel pain in their lower backs, while others notice pain that shoots down one or both legs. Bulging in the cervical spine can produce symptoms of pain, weakness, numbness and tingling in the arms and hands. In some cases, a bulging disc doesn’t cause any problems at all. But for many people, the pain gets worse over time and can make it hard to stand, walk, or lift anything heavy.
Doctors can usually spot a bulging disc with an MRI or CT scan. Treatment often includes rest, physical therapy, or medicine. In severe cases, someone might need injections or surgery. If pain from a bulging disc doesn’t improve, it can keep someone from working.
A bulging disc can make everyday tasks painful and frustrating. You might have trouble standing for long periods, lifting anything heavy, or even walking. Some people feel pain when they bend over or even when they sit too long. If the disc presses on a nerve, it can cause pain or numbness in your legs that makes it harder to move around.
These problems can affect more than just your comfort. Many jobs require lifting, bending, or standing, and a bulging disc can make those tasks nearly impossible. Even desk jobs can become difficult if prolonged sitting causes back pain. Pain often affects a person’s ability to maintain attention and mental focus.
Outside of work, the pain can affect sleep, make it hard to drive, or limit how much you can help around the house. If your symptoms last several months and don’t improve with treatment, they could keep you from holding a full-time job. In those cases, applying for disability benefits might be the next step.
Yes, you can qualify for Social Security disability benefits with a bulging disc, but you must show that your condition seriously limits your ability to work.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t automatically approve claims for bulging discs. Instead, they look at your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. You must prove that your pain, numbness, or weakness makes most jobs impossible. You also need to show that your symptoms will last at least 12 months, even with treatment.
If your condition doesn’t meet the requirements under the SSA’s official listing, you could still qualify through something called a residual functional capacity (RFC) review. In that case, the SSA will look at how much you can lift, how long you can sit or stand, and what kind of work you can still do. Strong medical evidence makes a big difference in these cases.
The SSA reviews spine problems like bulging discs under its rules for musculoskeletal disorders. You must show that your condition causes serious pain, limits your movement, and affects your ability to work to qualify for benefits. The SSA will look for signs like nerve root compression, muscle weakness, or loss of reflexes. They will also check if you have trouble walking, standing, or using your arms.
You will need medical tests like MRIs or CT scans to prove your symptoms. Your doctor’s notes should explain how the condition affects your daily activities. The SSA will also want to see that you followed your doctor’s treatment recommendations, such as physical therapy, medications, or surgery.
If your condition doesn’t meet all the criteria under a listing, the SSA can still decide if your symptoms prevent you from working after an RFC review.
Many people with bulging discs get denied the first time they apply for disability benefits. This often happens because their medical records don’t fully explain how the condition limits them. Some claims fail to include clear test results, like MRIs, or don’t show that the disc presses on a nerve. Others don’t have enough detail about pain, weakness, or trouble walking.
The SSA also wants to see that you tried treatment and are still struggling. If you skip appointments, stop therapy, or don’t follow medical advice, the SSA could decide that your condition isn’t serious enough.
Some claims only focus on the diagnosis and leave out details about how it affects working ability. The SSA won’t approve benefits just because you have a bulging disc. You must show that the condition keeps you from doing most jobs. Providing complete records, clear test results, and details about your daily limits will increase your chances of approval.
If the SSA denies your claim for a bulging disc, you still have options. You have the right to appeal the denial, starting by asking for a reconsideration. This gives another reviewer a chance to look at your case.
If that doesn’t work, you can request a hearing with an administrative law judge. At the hearing, you can explain your symptoms, show new evidence, and have a lawyer speak for you.
You must meet strict deadlines at each stage of the appeals process, so it’s essential to act quickly. Most people get better results during the appeal process because they include stronger medical records or explain things more clearly. You can also bring witnesses or updated reports from your doctor.
A lawyer can prepare you for your appeal and speak on your behalf. Don’t give up after one denial. Many people in Missouri get approved later in the appeal process with the right support.
Filing for disability benefits can be stressful, especially when you’re already dealing with back pain and other daily limitations from a bulging disc. A disability attorney can take the pressure off you and increase your chances of a successful claim by:
If your bulging disc keeps you from working, don’t wait to take action. Contact Crowe & Shanahan today for your free consultation. We’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and help you move forward with confidence.
We take pride in the strong professional and personal relationships we build with each client. You will meet with the attorney early on and that same attorney will be with you throughout the process. You can rely on us to give you honest advice about your options because this is the right thing to do.
As your advocates, we will remain by your side throughout the process, developing a strategy that fits your specific circumstances. Your legal and financial issues are unique, so we tailor our advice according to your situation. Many individuals and families have benefited from this legal approach.
