M48.06 – Spinal stenosis, lumbar region

The ICD-10-CM code M48.06 diagnoses spinal stenosis in the lumbar region of the spine. Learn what this code entails, from its clinical information, if it’s billable or not, FAQs, and even related ICD-10 codes by reading this short guide.

By Patricia Buenaventura on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

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M48.06 – Spinal stenosis, lumbar regio

The M48.06 is an ICD code included in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (or the ICD-10-CM for short), and it is used to designate “Spinal stenosis, lumbar region.”

If you have a patient with spinal stenosis, that means their spine is degenerating because the spaces in the spine have narrowed over time. The narrowing of these spaces exerts pressure on the spine and the nerve roots. Several symptoms indicate this condition, such as pain in the spinal region where the stenosis occurs, difficulty moving, numbness, cramps, tingling, and weakness in certain limbs.

Is the M48.06 billable?

No. This ICD-10 code is not billable because there are other codes with higher levels of specificity.

M48.06 clinical information

If you have a patient who presents themselves to you to discuss aches in the lumbar region of their spine, have them expound on what they are feeling exactly. If they mention any of the following symptoms, then there’s a chance that your patient is dealing with spinal stenosis.

Pains in their lower back, specifically the lumbar region
Radiating pain that reaches the lower extremities
Pain that becomes worse whenever they stand up or walk
They get relieved from the pain whenever they lean forward
If the lumbar region feels numb
If the legs feel numb
If they feel tingling and cramps in their lumbar region and legs
If their legs and feet feel weak

Spinal stenosis develops because of age, but it can result from other spine conditions like a herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, and even arthritis.

Once physical examinations and imaging tests confirm that the patient has spinal stenosis, the treatment they will receive will depend on the severity of the stenosis. If the stenosis isn’t severe, medication (e.g. anti-inflammation medicine, steroids, pain relievers) and physical therapy are often included in the treatment. If the stenosis is severe, surgery might be a must.

M48.06 synonyms include

Spinal stenosis of lumbar region
Iatrogenic lumbar spinal stenosis
Idiopathic lumbar spinal stenosis
Stenosis of lateral recess of lumbar spine
Stenosis of lumbar vertebral foramen
Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis

Other ICD-10 codes used for spinal stenosis

M48.061 - Spinal stenosis, lumbar region without neurogenic claudication
M48.062 - Spinal stenosis, lumbar region with neurogenic claudication
M48.07 - Spinal stenosis, lumbosacral region
M48.0 - Spinal stenosis
M48.00 - Spinal stenosis, site unspecified
M48.01 - Spinal stenosis, occipito-atlanto-axial region
M48.02 - Spinal stenosis, cervical region
M48.03 - Spinal stenosis, cervicothoracic region
M48.04 - Spinal stenosis, thoracic region
M48.05 - Spinal stenosis, thoracolumbar region
M48.08 - Spinal stenosis, sacral and sacrococcygeal region

Commonly asked questions

No. Please use an ICD-10 code with higher specificity for this condition, like M48.061 - Spinal stenosis, lumbar region without neurogenic claudication.

When you have a patient with spinal stenosis in their lumbar region. Make sure to conduct further tests to designate them with a more specific ICD-10 code.

Pain medication, anti-inflammation medication, and physical therapy.

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