M51.86 – Other intervertebral disc disorders, lumbar region

M51.86 – Other intervertebral disc disorders, lumbar region

Learn about ICD-10-CM M51.86 for lumbar disc disorders, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

By Audrey Liz Perez on Jul 16, 2025.

Fact Checked by Gale Alagos.

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M51.86 diagnosis code: Other intervertebral disc disorders, lumbar region

The ICD-10-CM code M51.86 describes other intervertebral disc disorders affecting the lumbar region. These disorders involve structural or functional abnormalities in the discs located between the lumbar vertebrae that don't fall under more specific codes like disc displacement or degeneration. This code is part of the broader M51 category, which includes thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral intervertebral disc disorders, which all have their respective codes.

These conditions are commonly associated with pain, radiculopathy, and mobility issues. They can result from trauma, overuse, degenerative processes, or systemic disorders. Accurate classification using M51.86 is important for documenting the condition's impact and guiding effective treatment, particularly when billing Medicare or other payers.

Is M51.86 billable?

Yes, M51.86 is a billable ICD-10-CM code.

Clinical information

  • M51.86 applies to intervertebral disc disorders lumbar region that are not classified elsewhere, particularly those without radiculopathy or myelopathy.
  • Patients may present with low back pain, stiffness, radiculopathy, or referred discomfort to the lower extremities.
  • This condition may arise due to age-related disc degeneration, mechanical stress, or, less commonly, inflammatory causes.
  • It is distinguishable from cervical and cervicothoracic disc disorders, sacral and sacrococcygeal disorders, and documented disc herniation.
  • Evaluation includes physical exams, MRI, CT, and neurologic assessments to exclude more specific disc disorders.
  • Management includes conservative treatment such as physical therapy, analgesics, activity modification, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention.
  • Documentation should clearly indicate the lumbar region involvement and absence of radiculopathy/myelopathy to justify M51.86.

Synonyms include

  • Calcification of lumbar disc
  • Lumbar disc calcification

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for other intervertebral disc disorders

Here are ten commonly used ICD-10 codes for other intervertebral disc disorders:

  • M51.0 - Lumbar and other intervertebral disc disorders with myelopathy
  • M51.1 - Lumbar and other intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy
  • M51.2 - Other specified intervertebral disc displacement
  • M51.3 - Other specified intervertebral disc degeneration
  • M51.4 - Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, thoracic region
  • M51.5 - Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, thoracolumbar region
  • M51.6 - Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, lumbar region
  • M51.7 - Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, lumbosacral region
  • M51.8 - Other specified intervertebral disc disorders
  • M51.9 - Unspecified intervertebral disc disorder

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