Can I Work With Lumbar Stenosis?

Lumbar stenosis is a condition that causes the spinal canal to narrow in the lumbar region (between the abdomen and pelvis), pinching nerves in the process. It is often caused by denigration of the spine, which can be the result of aging, arthritis, an accident, or repeated stress from bending and lifting.

Other common causes of lumbar stenosis are herniated discs, tumors, or osteoporosis. No matter what has caused lumbar stenosis, the result is generally lower back pain. In some cases, this is accompanied by pain in the feet, legs, thighs, and buttocks. Occasionally, lumbar stenosis may even affect continence.

Obviously, lumbar stenosis can have a significant impact on your ability to maintain employment. Besides the fact that it’s painful, it can make it impossible for you to perform many of the routine tasks associated with most jobs.

Fortunately, the Social Security Administration recognizes lumbar stenosis as a potentially disabling condition. While this does not mean that everyone with a diagnosis of lumbar stenosis will automatically qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, it does mean that there are an objective set of standards by which the SSA can determine whether or not you qualify for Social Security Disability due to lumbar stenosis.

This means that you have two distinct ways in which you can qualify for Social Security Disability with lumbar stenosis. The first is if your medical examination bears out that your symptoms meet the criteria. The second is to prove that your lumbar stenosis (combined with any other conditions you may have) makes it impossible for you to find any work that you are qualified for. Many claimants find it helpful to have a Social Security Disability attorney help them with their claim and their appeal, if necessary.

Lumbar Stenosis and Your Ability to Perform Physical Work

It’s obvious that those with lumbar stenosis will have some limitations on their ability to perform physical work. What isn’t always obvious, at least on Social Security Disability claims, is exactly how many limitations the lumbar stenosis causes. Many claims are initially denied simply because the doctor’s report did not list specific restrictions regarding lifting, bending, and performing repetitive actions.

Having a >Social Security Disability lawyer or advocate go over your claim with you and your doctor can make all the difference between spending a few weeks waiting for an approval or spending months fighting the Social Security Disability system in the appeals process. In addition to the medical report gives an accurate picture in the language the SSA is looking for, your Social Security Disability lawyer can review your part of the claim to make sure you haven’t inadvertently claimed something that could indicate to the SSA that you can do more than you can. Believe it or not, claims have been turned down for things as small as the ability to watch television while sitting down for several hours at a time.

Lumbar Stenosis and Your Ability to Perform Sedentary Work

Lumbar stenosis can be painful even for those who perform sedentary work. Simply sitting in one place can be excruciating for those with the severe lower back pain that can accompanies lumbar stenosis. Again, you want to make sure that your Social Security Disability claim accurately reflects all of the ways your condition causes restrictions to your daily activities.

Nearly 70% of Social Security Disability claims are initially denied. This is especially true of disability claims which are filed due to back pain. Pain can be difficult to measure, and unless your medical files express more than the fact you are experiencing pain, your claim is likely to be denied. You need to make sure that your Social Security Disability claim clearly paints a picture of you being unable to perform any work which you have performed in the past, or for which you might be trained.