Social Security Disability SSI and Chronic Pain   Currently, I'm reading a book about headaches and migraines and the sections regarding pain response and "referred pain" are pretty interesting. What's also interesting is the phenomenon in which a person who has been subjected to pain for long periods can: 1. become even more sensitive to experiencing pain and 2. can unknowingly adopt physical and psychological patterns that exacerbate and perpetuate the pain. Of course, pain is subjective and this is why Social Security Disability and SSI claimants who have fibromyalgia, chronic pain, back conditions ("mild" degenerative changes can cause excruciating pain) and migraines, just to name a few conditions, have trouble with the disability evaluation system. It's hard to get someone else to understand your complaints of pain simply because they cannot feel your pain. And this applies several times over to doctors who, in the absence of definable causes and explanations for symptoms, are often dismissive of a patient's complaints. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Forms to appeal a Social Security Disability denial Are most disability claims denied by SSA? Disability benefits and being severely disabled Filing for Social Security Disability if you are military retired Forms to complete when filing, applying for disability Social Security Disability Temporary Benefits and Closed Periods Will I qualify for disability with back pain, a bone spur, and bulging disks? Would I eligible for SSD if I file now since I was disabled at the time I stopped working? Eligibility for disability and who qualifies How to file for disability in Wisconsin How a Social Security Disability or SSI award is made Help filing for disability benefits with Social Security Tips for SSD and SSI disability hearings The difference between Social Security Disability and SSI Filing for disability with migraines