If you are experiencing back pain and you believe that you cannot work because of it, you're not alone. It is a common reason for Americans to apply for SSDI benefits. Many back injuries are the result of one's own work activities. However, you may wonder if you will be able to receive benefits through Social Security or through workers' compensation insurance carried by your employer. 

When Workers' Compensation Insurance Applies

You will always want to speak with an attorney about whether you should apply for workers' compensation. Applying for both workers' compensation and SSDI benefits can backfire because you will be sending mixed signals and may lead to your claims being denied or reduced. Also, if your injury is determined to not be the result of something that occurred while at work, you may not be entitled to workers' compensation benefits at all.

SSDI Benefits and Your Back Pain

Moderate and intermediate back pain will usually not lead to your SSDI claim being accepted. Instead, you will usually need to have back pain that is associated with one of several qualifying conditions. You may be able to receive SSDI benefits for:

• Nerve Root Compression
• Spinal Stenosis
• Spinal Arachnoiditis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Herniated Disc

If you are not sure if your condition will qualify you for SSDI benefits, consult with an SSDI attorney immediately. Even if you do not qualify through one of the qualifying conditions, if you have very severe back pain and are able to prove it, you may still qualify for SSDI benefits. 

The Approval Process

Even if you have a qualifying condition, you must also prove that you have the condition before you will qualify. Your doctor will likely write make notes about whether you have difficulty standing or walking. Your back pain may make it difficult for you to perform sedentary work. 

A back injury might not only affect your back but might also affect your shoulders, arms, and neck. The SSA will be interested in this because they will want to know your functional limitations as well as your back injury in particular. For example, they will want to know if you are not able to bend or stoop.

You will always want to tell the truth because your credibility will play a role in your case. If you are considered to be credible, the SSA will be more likely to believe you when you claim that you are in pain. However, a great attorney will also help you bolster your claim with solid evidence. Reach out to a Social Security attorney to see if you have a case.