Degenerative Disc Disease

Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease and Presenting Evidence for Work Restrictions to Insurance Companies

Degenerative disc disease is a common spinal condition that can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and functional limitations. When seeking insurance coverage for work restrictions due to degenerative disc disease, providing compelling evidence is crucial. 

Degenerative disc disease refers to the gradual breakdown of the intervertebral discs in the spine. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, providing flexibility and shock absorption. With age and wear and tear, the discs can degenerate, resulting in reduced disc height, loss of elasticity, and the development of bony growths or herniated discs. This can lead to various symptoms, including chronic back or neck pain, stiffness, radiating pain, muscle weakness, and limited range of motion.

Impact on Work Capacity:

Degenerative disc disease can significantly impact an individual’s ability to perform full-time work. The following are some of the restrictions and limitations that may arise:

1. Chronic Pain: Persistent pain in the back or neck can make it challenging to perform prolonged sitting, standing, or physical activities required for full-time work. Pain can also be exacerbated by certain movements, such as bending, twisting, or lifting, which are common in many job roles.
2. Radiculopathy: Radiculopathy is injury or damage to nerve roots in the area of the spine, typically caused by compression of the root. A common cause is the narrowing of the space where the nerve roots exit the spine. This can be caused by stenosis, bone spires, disc herniation, and foraminal narrowing. Radiculopathy can cause pain down the nerve, weakness, tingling, and numbness.
3. Limited Range of Motion: Reduced flexibility and mobility due to degenerative disc disease can restrict an individual’s ability to perform tasks that involve bending, reaching, or stretching. This limitation can hinder work-related activities and make it difficult to meet the physical demands of a full-time job.
4. Functional Limitations: Muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations caused by nerve compression due to disc herniation or spinal stenosis can affect fine motor skills, grip strength, and overall functional abilities. These limitations can hinder the performance of tasks that require precision, dexterity, or coordination.
5. Fatigue and Reduced Stamina: Chronic pain and limited mobility associated with degenerative disc disease can lead to increased fatigue and decreased stamina. Sustaining energy levels throughout a full workday may become challenging, impacting productivity and the ability to meet job requirements.
6. Need for Accommodations: Individuals with degenerative disc disease may require accommodations to perform their job duties effectively. These accommodations may include ergonomic modifications, assistive devices, or flexible work schedules to manage pain, improve comfort, and enhance productivity.

Providing Evidence for Work Restrictions:

1. Medical Documentation: Gather comprehensive medical records from healthcare professionals specializing in spinal conditions, such as orthopedic surgeons or spine specialists. These records should include diagnostic imaging results (such as X-rays, MRIs, nerve conduction tests, or CT scans), medical assessments, treatment history, and documentation of ongoing symptoms.
2. Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE): Undergo a functional capacity evaluation administered by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or occupational therapist. This evaluation assesses your physical abilities and limitations related to work tasks, providing objective evidence of functional impairments and their impact on work capacity.
3. Pain Journal and Activity Logs: Maintain a pain journal or activity log that documents the severity and frequency of pain, as well as the activities or movements that exacerbate or alleviate symptoms. This record can help demonstrate the impact of degenerative disc disease on daily functioning and work-related tasks.
4. Work Performance Reviews: Collect performance reviews or feedback from supervisors or colleagues that highlight the difficulties you face in meeting work expectations due to degenerative disc disease. These testimonials provide firsthand accounts of the challenges you encounter and how they affect your ability to perform essential job functions.
5. Rehabilitation Reports and Treatment History: Include reports and documentation from rehabilitation providers, such as physical therapists or chiropractors, outlining the treatments received, progress made, and recommendations for work restrictions or accommodations. These reports can provide professional opinions and support your claim for limitations and restrictions.
6. Expert Medical Opinions: Seek expert medical opinions from healthcare professionals who specialize in degenerative disc disease. Their evaluations and professional opinions can provide valuable insight into your condition, its impact on work capacity, and the need for restrictions or accommodations.
7. Legal Assistance: Consider consulting with an attorney specializing in disability insurance claims. We can guide you on presenting evidence effectively, protect your rights throughout the claims process, and advocate for your case.

Improve Disability Claim with Legal Help

Degenerative disc disease can significantly impact an individual’s ability to engage in full-time work. By providing comprehensive medical documentation, functional capacity evaluations, pain journals, work performance reviews, rehabilitation reports, expert medical opinions, and seeking legal assistance, you can present compelling evidence to insurance companies. Remember to consult with healthcare professionals and legal experts to navigate the claims process successfully.