“Slipped Discs” (SlippedDisks) and Social Security Disability

Many of the clients that come to see us for help in their disability claims tell us they have a slipped disc in their back. It seems that a lot of people have the wrong idea about what is really wrong with their back.

The fact is, a disc cannot slip. The disc is not like a “tiddly winks” that sits between the vertebrae that can slip out. A vertebral disc is much more like a jelly donut and is soft. The outer surface of the disc is called the annulus and acts as a type of skin to hold in the soft disc material that forms the core. Sometimes the discs can be irritated or attack can occur an annulus allowing this material to escape.

Usually when disc material has escaped it compresses against the spinal cord or the nerve roots exiting the spine causing significant pain. This disc material is normally referred to as a herniated or ruptured disc.

When a herniated or ruptured disc pushes against a no-brainer such as one going down, a pain is usually felt in the leg and possibly all the way to the feet, usually on the outside portion of the leg. The vast majority of symptomatic herniated or ruptured discs are usually treated with surgery, the most common of which are laminectomies, fusions and disc replacements.

Back pain symptomologies that are generated by strains and sprains can often mimic some of the complaints actually caused by injuries to the discs themselves. If the actual discs have not been damaged relief can often be obtained through physical therapy and medication.

When you have clients visit for disability claims based in whole or in part on issues with their spine, the first-order of business is to make sure that they have had the proper diagnostic procedures performed in order to pinpoint the exact nature and extent of their problems. At Drummond Disability, we promote and assist in the claimant’s securing appropriate medical testing for the extent and nature of their disability so that it can be clearly presented to the Adjudicator or the Administrative Law Judge who determines their claim.

Helpful Links:

http://www.knowyourback.org/Pages/SpinalConditions/Default.aspx

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/herniated_disc/hic_herniated_disc.aspx

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/expert-answers/bulging-disk/faq-20058428

http://www.medtronic.com/patients/cervical-herniated-discs/index.htm

http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/herniated-disc/whats-a-herniated-disc-pinched-nerve-bulging-disc