There are certain medical conditions related to back pain that can potentially meet one of the "listings" of disabling conditions set forth by SSA.  "Listings"are certain conditions that SSA defines as serious enough to demonstrate a person is unable to do any work, and thereby eligible for a potentially favorable finding for award of benefits. Examples of these conditions include: degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis and nerve root compression - all of which are extremely painful and disabling. Crucial to proving your condition "meets or equals" a "listing" are your medical records and especially any evidence of "objective" evidence such as MRI's or XRays.