Lower Back Pain ICD-10-CM Codes

Lower Back Pain ICD-10-CM Codes

Learn about the different ICD-10 codes used for lower back pain through this guide.

By Telita Montales on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.

Use Code

What ICD-10 codes are used for lower back pain?

There are several ICD-10 lower back pain codes you can use:

  • M54.50 - Low back pain, unspecified: This is used when the patient is confirmed to have low back pain, but it's currently unspecified as to what specific low back pain they have (e.g., acute low back pain, chronic low back pain, etc.)
  • M54.51 - Vertebrogenic low back pain: This is used when the patient is confirmed to have vertebrogenic low back pain, a type of chronic low back pain caused by damaged vertebral endplates in the lower region of the spine.
  • M54.59 - Other low back pain: This is used only when the patient is confirmed to have a type of low back pain not covered by other ICD codes.
  • M54.40 - Lumbago with sciatica, unspecified side: This is used only when the patient is confirmed to have lumbago (low back pain) accompanied by sciatica on an unspecified side of the lower back. Once the specific side has been confirmed, please use M54.41 for the right side or M54.42 for the left.

Please note that this list doesn't include ICD codes for ailments that may cause lower back pain, like ones for the following:

  • Intervertebral disc disorder (intervertebral disc displacement, intervertebral disc degeneration, etc.)
  • Cervical disc degeneration
  • Nerve root pain in the lumbar region

These are only for low back pain in general.

Which lower back pain ICD codes are billable?

Yes, all the aforementioned ICD codes are valid and billable.

Clinical information

  • Lower back pain is a common condition affecting people of all ages. It is often caused by muscle strain or ligament sprain.
  • Other factors like disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and arthritis can contribute to lower back pain.
  • Lower back pain can be acute or chronic, with acute episodes resolving within weeks and chronic pain lasting months or years.
  • Treatment for lower back pain patients is based on the underlying cause and individual symptoms.
  • Common treatment modalities include visiting a physical therapy practice for treatment, medication for pain and inflammation, and surgery in rare cases.
  • Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for lower back pain are facilitated by utilizing appropriate ICD-10 codes and considering the patient's unique circumstances.

Synonyms include

  • Lumbago
  • Sacral pain
  • Lumbosacral pain
  • Discogenic back pain
  • Lumbar pain
  • Acute pain in lower back
  • Lumbar spine area pain
  • Backache
  • Backache
  • Pain in the lower back
  • Pain in the lumbar region
  • Pain in the sacrum

Popular search terms for low back pain ICD 10 codes

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  • ICD-10 low back pain
  • Low back pain diagnosis codes
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Commonly asked questions

A lower back pain ICD code should be used when a patient is diagnosed with lower back pain.

Yes, lower back pain diagnosis codes are billable so long as they are specific. This means insurance companies will reimburse healthcare providers for treating patients with lower back pain.

Physical therapy clinics can provide non-invasive treatment that improves the lower back range of motion, strength, and flexibility through stretching and exercises. Medication, including over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers, can alleviate pain and inflammation. Surgery is a last resort for severe cases or when other treatments have been ineffective. Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the most suitable treatment for individual needs.

Related ICDs

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