If you’re a blue-collar worker struggling with serious back or neck pain, you may wonder if you need an MRI to win your Social Security Disability case.
As a Social Security disability law firm in Columbia Missouri, we’ve seen that judges often expect certain diagnostic tests—and an MRI is one of the most powerful.
Below, we’ll explain why an MRI can be so important, what it shows, and how it might help your Social Security Disability claim.
Common Reasons People File for Disability: Neck & Back Pain
Many workers develop neck pain, back pain, or other joint problems after years of physical labor. It’s no surprise that musculoskeletal issues are the top reason people apply for Social Security Disability.
Because of this, disability judges see a lot of such claims and have high standards for medical evidence.
Why an MRI Matters
- Shows Soft Tissue Damage: An X-ray only reveals bones. But neck and back problems often involve herniated discs, nerve impingements, or spinal stenosis—all of which are best seen on an MRI.
- Objective Proof: Judges want “objective evidence”, meaning solid test results that confirm your symptoms. An MRI provides pictures of what’s happening inside your spine or neck.
- Stronger Case: If your MRI reveals disc bulges or nerve compression, it can support the level of pain and movement limits you claim. Without an MRI, it’s tougher to prove the severity of your condition.
Cost and Accessibility Are Better Now
In the past, MRIs could cost thousands of dollars, making them hard to afford. Today, many cities have low-cost MRI clinics where you can get a scan and a radiologist’s report for just a few hundred dollars.
Even if you don’t have insurance, you might be able to arrange a payment plan. Judges often expect claimants to find a way to get an MRI if back or neck pain is the main reason for filing.
Matching MRI Results to Your Reported Pain
A successful disability claim must show that your daily pain and limitations match what appears on diagnostic tests. For example:
- Herniated disc showing on MRI + radiating leg pain aligns with nerve involvement.
- Cervical spinal stenosis + numbness in your hands supports your statements about neck and arm issues.
If your MRI shows only mild problems but you report extreme pain, the judge may question your credibility. Having consistent medical findings and personal testimony will strengthen your claim.
Getting Approved Without an MRI? Tough, but Possible
If you can’t get an MRI, you may still win with other thorough medical evidence—like CT scans or detailed doctors’ notes. But it’s definitely more challenging.
Judges deal with so many back and neck claims that they usually want recent, detailed images. X-rays typically aren’t enough because they show bones, not soft tissues or nerves.
Take Action: Get the Tests You Need
- Talk to Your Doctor: Ask if an MRI or CT scan is recommended for your pain.
- Explore Low-Cost Clinics: Check for affordable MRI centers in your area.
- Keep Your Records Updated: Judges want current images—ideally within the last year or two.
- Stay Consistent: Follow your doctor’s advice and keep regular appointments.
Need Help with Your Social Security Disability Claim?
If you’re facing neck pain or back pain and aren’t sure how to strengthen your Social Security Disability case, contact our office today.
As a Social Security disability law firm, we can help ensure your medical evidence is thorough, guide you on getting the right tests, and represent you at hearings—even if we’re in different locations.
Hearings are virtual now, so no matter where you live, we can work together to build a solid claim for your benefits.
Don’t let missing medical tests stand in your way. With proper documentation and the right legal help, you can give yourself the best chance of winning the disability benefits you deserve.
If you need help fighting for your Social Security disability rights, The Krebs Law Firm offers free consultations. We can review your situation, help you determine the best course of action, and if you have a solid case, fight alongside you. You can reach our office at 573-886-8976 or toll free at 800-345-0535.
You could try to get your benefits on your own, but the odds of successfully combatting a denial are higher with the help of a Social Security disability lawyer in Columbia Missouri.
The Krebs Law Firm provides free consultations for Social Security Disability claimants, and we don’t get paid unless we win you the compensation you deserve. Set up your appointment with us without delay. You can reach our office locally at (573) 886-8976 or toll free at 800-345-0535.
A Social Security disability lawyer in Columbia Missouri can help make the process of getting the full amount you’re owed much easier. The Krebs Law Firm offers free consultations, and all it takes is giving us a call today.
Whether you’re making an initial Social Security Disability claim or striving to make an appeal, The Krebs Law Firm knows the ins and outs of the application process and offers free consultations to potential clients. You have nothing to lose by contacting us and everything to gain.
If you seek the help of a Social Security Disability attorney in Columbia Missouri with your claim, The Krebs Law Firm has years of experience in helping our clients receive the full amount of Social Security Disability benefits that they rightly deserve in as timely a manner as possible.
Call us for a free consultation at 573-886-8976 or toll free at 800-345-0535.