Is spinal stenosis in neck a disability?

Spinal stenosis is considered a disability by the SSA and in order to qualify you need to meet the medical requirements outlined by the SSA in their list of disabling conditions which is called the Blue Book.

What neck problems qualify for disability?

Among those neck problems that qualify for disability per the SSA guidelines are degenerative disc disease (DDD), herniated discs, arthritis, whiplash, cervical spondylolisthesis, cervical retrolistheses, pinched nerves, cervical lordosis, and cancer.

How Serious Is spinal stenosis in the neck?

Spinal cord compression in your neck is called cervical myelopathy, and it can be a serious condition causing significant symptoms such as problems with balance and difficulty walking.

Does spinal stenosis qualify you for disability?

Fortunately, lumbar spinal stenosis is one of the few back conditions recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) with an official impairment listing, meaning that those with documented cases of severe lumbar spinal stenosis are automatically granted disability benefits—if you can meet the SSA's tough ...

What is the maximum disability rating for spinal stenosis?

If the VA determines your spinal stenosis is service-connected, you will receive a disability rating between 0% and 100%. The rating will largely depend on whether you have lost range of motion as a result of stenosis.

Spinal Stenosis: Strong Evidence of Disability

What activities should be avoided with cervical spinal stenosis?

Does central canal stenosis qualify for disability?

If you have spinal stenosis and it makes it impossible for you to work, you may be considered disabled by the SSA. If you win your claim, you are entitled to disability benefits. The benefits that you are most likely to receive because of your spinal stenosis is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Does spinal stenosis make you tired?

The primary symptom of stenosis at any site is pain and fatigue resulting from pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Does spinal stenosis hurt all the time?

Spinal stenosis is generally not progressive. The pain tends to come and go, but it usually does not progress with time. The natural history with spinal stenosis, in the majority of patients, is that of episodic periods of pain and dysfunction.

Does spinal stenosis shorten your life?

Spinal stenosis can result in significant morbidity. Severe disability and death may result from the association of cervical stenosis with even minor trauma resulting in the central cord syndrome. Both upper (cervical) and lower (lumbar) spinal stenosis may result in motor weakness and chronic pain.

What can be done for spinal stenosis in the neck?

physical therapy to relieve inflammation and strain while restoring range of motion in your neck. steroid injections near your spine to reduce inflammation and swelling that may be compressing nerves. chiropractic treatment to realign your spine so nerve irritation is relieved.

Can you live a normal life with cervical spinal stenosis?

The tightness can pinch the spinal cord or the nerves around it, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in your legs, arms, or torso. There's no cure, but there are a variety of nonsurgical treatments and exercises to keep the pain at bay. Most people with spinal stenosis live normal lives.

Can spinal stenosis affect your brain?

Cervical stenosis can cause CSF flow alterations which can result in increased intracranial pressure and buildup of waste products. Resulting symptoms are headaches and other neurological defects. It can also contribute to Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias.

Can I get disability for a pinched nerve?

This type of back pain from a pinched nerve is included in the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Blue Book of qualifying impairments, but you must provide the SSA with proof of your condition to secure approval for your Disability benefits application.

Does a neck fusion qualify for disability?

Most individuals who undergo a spinal fusion surgery end up qualifying for SSDI benefits through a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment. An RFC will document your ability to perform certain tasks, such as lifting and walking.

Is cervical degenerative disc disease a disability?

Degenerative disc disease by itself is not recognized as a listed disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

What is stenosis in your neck?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck. Some people with spinal stenosis may not have symptoms.

How can you tell if your spinal stenosis is getting worse?

Call your provider if you have symptoms of spinal stenosis. More serious symptoms that need prompt attention include: Difficulty or poor balance when walking. Worsening numbness and weakness of your limb.

What is severe cervical stenosis?

Cervical spinal stenosis, also called cervical stenosis, occurs when the neck's protective spinal canal narrows due to degenerative changes or trauma. If the space within the spinal canal is reduced too much, neurologic deficits can result from spinal cord compression, a condition called myelopathy.

How common is cervical spinal stenosis?

Also called cervical spinal stenosis, or simply spinal stenosis, the condition is most common in adults ages 30-50 and affects about twice as many men as women. And while neck pain is a common primary symptom, cervical stenosis can gradually cause many more symptoms that affect much of your body.

Does spinal stenosis show on MRI?

Since spinal stenosis is a gradual onset condition, the symptoms tend to start slowly and worsen over time. In fact, spinal stenosis may appear on an MRI or a CT scan without the patient having any symptoms at all.

Can spinal stenosis cause vision problems?

Moreover, if nerves in your spine become permanently damaged, you may experience long-term adverse health effects in other systems and organs in your body. A pinched or damaged nerve in your spine may lead to blurred vision or headaches, loss of hearing, slurred speech, and bowel and bladder problems, to name a few.

What does narrowing of C5 and C6 mean?

Spondylosis. Spondylosis (degeneration) of the C5-C6 vertebrae and intervertebral disc occurs at a higher rate compared to other cervical vertebrae. ³. Spondylosis usually results in the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes), eventually leading to stenosis or narrowing of the intervertebral foramina or spinal canal.

Is spinal stenosis the same as degenerative disc disease?

Discs often degenerate with age causing vertebrae to sit closer together. This is part of the reason we shrink with age. Degenerative discs can lead to pain via multiple pathways. Spinal stenosis is another condition of the spine where the central canal diameter is reduced much like a pipe that becomes clogged.

Can you drive with spinal stenosis?

Back Pain and Driving

These movements can all negatively impact a person with lumbar issues. One back issue that can be negatively impacted with driving position is spinal stenosis. This is a condition where the spinal canal becomes narrowed and leads to crowding and compression of the spinal nerves.