Neck and Arm Problems

Neck and arm problems can determine a disability case.  This is true because almost any job is going to require you to move your arms and neck.  The most common cause of neck and arm pain is arthritis in the cervical spine.  Although an x-ray can show you have arthritis in your cervical spine, an MRI will show if your arthritis is causing nerve impingement.  This is important because nerve impingement is what causes pain to flow down your arms.  That is called radiculopathy.  If you have an MRI that shows nerve root impingement in your cervical spine, then you have gone a long way in proving your disability case.  You should also do everything you can to get a nerve conduction study on your arms.  Pain is always difficult to prove.  But in the case of cervical radiculopathy, we actually have a picture and a test to show it.  If you can get these, you should.

Neck problems can also cause neck pain and headaches that cause such frequent interruptions to your concentration that you would not be able to perform any kind of task on an 8 hour a day, 40 hour per week basis.  If your doctor will attest to the fact that you would probably have this limitation of function, then you could qualify for disability benefits.

Arms problems can also be caused by a number of other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve neuropathy and arthritis in the shoulders, elbows or hands.  If you suffer from any of these conditions, it is critical that you complain to your doctor about it and get it worked up.  By that I mean make sure your doctor orders imaging and every test possible to diagnosis and treat your condition.  Even if your arm problems are not your most serious issue, any limitation in the use of your arms is a very serious issue for getting your disability.  Do not forget to tell your doctor about it.

Related Questions

  • Hand Problems

    Any limitation in the use of your hands is critical in a disability case because almost every job requires you to use your hands.  Therefore, even a relatively mild problem with your hands can drastically reduce the number of jobs available to you.  If you…

  • Blood Pressure Problems

    High blood pressure or hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because often people do not have symptoms from it.  Usually people only find out they have it after a trip to the doctor for something else.  However, it is a very serious condition that…

  • Skin Problems

    Skin conditions can have a number of causes and can range from mild to severe.  Eczema, sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis, is s common cause of skin lesions.  Due to the durational requirement for disability benefits, a condition must have lasted or can be expected…

We serve clients throughout the Carolinas from our offices in Spartanburg, Greenville, and Columbia.