Lumbar Stenosis can be a very painful and debilitating condition. Your spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae. There are five vertebrae in your lower spine that are referred to as the lumbar vertebrae. These vertebrae have openings that allow nerves to pass through. When a person suffers from Lumbar Stenosis it means that the openings in the lumbar vertebrae have become narrow and that the nerves that go through these vertebrae openings are being compressed. When this happens, the compression can cause debilitating pain, weakness and loss of sensation in the legs. In some cases, the symptoms may become so severe that they prevent a person from performing normal work activity and interfere with day-to-day life.

In order to be diagnosed with Lumbar Stenosis your doctor must rule out other causes for your symptoms. To do this he or she may order x-rays, CT scans or an MRI. A nerve conduction test can also confirm whether or not the nerves in your lumbar area are being irritated from compression.

In order to be approved for disability benefits due to Lumbar Stenosis, you must have proof that your condition is preventing you from performing substantial gainful activity. When visiting your doctor to discuss your condition and your symptoms, make sure you discuss how your symptoms interfere with your ability to work. You need to have medical documentation showing that your Lumbar Stenosis is interfering with your ability to work in order to qualify.