how do you cut through the red tape?

I have filed a Social Security Disability claim, because I cannot work a full time job to support myself anymore. I have degenerative disc disease, and have has surgery on my neck. They replaced 3 herniated disc's and fused a piece of bone from my hip to my neck. I thought I would be ok after that,but it seems to be even worse than before. Has this happened to any of you? Any way, the denied my claim and now I have to file an appeal and possibly go in front of a judge. Where do they get off telling me that I can work. If I could work I would be working. My problem is how do I convince these people that I am in constant pain and exhausted fighting it. They are not in my skin. They aren't worried if I can make a living. It's all about meeting some stupid regulations they have made up, not about me.