M48.02 – Spinal stenosis, cervical region

Learn about cervical spinal stenosis (M48.02), including its billability, diagnosis, treatments, and related codes.

By Audrey Liz Perez on Apr 09, 2025.

Table of content

M48.02 diagnosis code: spinal stenosis, cervical region Is M48.02 billable?Clinical information Synonyms include Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for spinal stenosis FAQS

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M48.02 diagnosis code: spinal stenosis, cervical region

ICD-10-CM diagnosis code M48.02 specifically represents spinal stenosis in the cervical region, a condition characterized by the abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck area. This narrowing places pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves, often resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness, particularly in the arms.

Healthcare professionals frequently encounter M48.02 in patients experiencing chronic cervical spine issues.

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Is M48.02 billable?

Yes, M48.02 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code. It is acceptable for medical claims and reimbursement purposes.

Clinical information

Spinal stenosis cervical region involves a narrowing of the spinal canal in the cervical spine area, compressing the spinal cord and nerves. Typical causes include degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae due to aging, arthritis, disc herniation, or traumatic injury. Patients typically present with:

Pain and stiffness in the neck (cervical spine).
Radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness extending down the arms.
Reduced mobility in the cervical region.
In severe cases, difficulty maintaining balance and coordination.

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management. Treatment typically includes conservative approaches like medication, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention to relieve spinal cord compression.

Synonyms include

Spinal stenosis in cervical region
Spinal stenosis in cervical region with myelopathy
Spinal stenosis in cervical region without myelopathy
Spinal stenosis of cervical spine
Stenosis of cervical (neck) spine region
Stenosis of cervical (neck) spine with myelopathy
Stenosis of cervical spine without myelopathy
Stenosis of foramen magnum
Stenosis, cervical (neck) without myelopathy
Stenosis, foramen magnum

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for spinal stenosis

Other related spinal stenosis ICD codes include:

M48.00: Spinal stenosis, site unspecified
M48.04: Spinal stenosis, thoracic region
M48.06: Spinal stenosis, lumbar region
M48.07: Spinal stenosis, lumbosacral region
M48.08: Spinal stenosis, sacral and sacrococcygeal region

Frequently asked questions

When to use a diagnosis code M48.02?

The diagnosis code M48.02 from the ICD-10-CM is specifically used when documenting or billing for patients diagnosed with spinal stenosis of the cervical region. Clinicians should utilize M48.02 when medical examinations and diagnostic imaging confirm a spinal canal narrowing within the cervical spine, causing compression of the spinal cord and surrounding nerves.

Is the M48.02 diagnosis billable?

Yes, the M48.02 spinal stenosis cervical region diagnosis is billable.

What are the common treatments for M48.02 diagnosis code?

Common treatments for cervical region spinal stenosis include conservative measures such as medications for managing pain and inflammation, physical therapy aimed at strengthening the cervical spine and improving mobility, and epidural steroid injections to relieve inflammation around compressed nerves. In severe cases, surgical interventions may be required to widen the narrowed spinal canal and relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.