M53.82 – Other specified dorsopathies, cervical region

The ICD-10-CM code M53.82 is used to diagnose a patient with other specified dorsopathies in the cervical region. Read our guide for clinical information, billability, and more.

By Karina Jimenea on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

Use Code

M53.82 diagnosis code: Other specified dorsopathies, cervical region

M53.82 is a billable ICD-10-CM code used for reimbursement and documentation of the diagnosis "other specified dorsopathies, cervical region." This code falls under the broader category of “Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue,” specifically within the subcategory of “other specified dorsopathies.”

The code is used to classify various disorders affecting the cervical spine that do not fall under more clearly defined spinal conditions. While M53.82 is recognized in the ICD-10-CM system used in the United States, the corresponding diagnosis code may differ in other international coding systems.

Is M53.82 billable?

Yes, it is billable, meaning it can be used for insurance reimbursement through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other healthcare payers.

Clinical information

Any disorder of the spine or back is considered a dorsopathy. It typically refers to a collection of diseases affecting the spine and surrounding tissues, including the cervical (neck), lumbar (lower back), sacral, coccygeal (tailbone), and thoracic spine (mid-back) sections.
It can be acute or chronic and can be made worse when the patient makes sudden movements while coughing, sneezing, etc.
There are multiple causes for dorsopathy, such as sitting for an extended period, decreased physical activity, constant stress, weight, or it is in the family history.
Symptoms include muscle spasms, muscle weakness, paresthesia, impaired reflexes, aches, pain in the upper arms/extremities, and tension felt during palpation. The patient may also experience headache, dizziness, darkening of the eyes, or noises in the head.
A practitioner may come to a diagnosis after factoring in the patient's complaints and conducting a physical examination, CT scans, and MRIs on the patient.
Treatments may include medication, traction therapy, physical therapy, massage, and in severe cases, surgery.

Synonyms include

Cervical syndrome
Facet syndrome, cervical
Musculoskeletal disorder of the neck
Active range of cervical spine extension - finding
Decreased range of cervical spine flexion and extension
No active range of cervical spine flexion
Range of cervical spine protraction

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for other specified dorsopathies

M53.80: Other specified dorsopathies, site unspecified
M53.81: Other specified dorsopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region
M53.83: Other specified dorsopathies, cervicothoracic region
M53.84: Other specified dorsopathies, thoracic region
M53.85: Other specified dorsopathies, thoracolumbar region
M53.86: Other specified dorsopathies, lumbar region
M53.87: Other specified dorsopathies, lumbosacral region

Commonly asked questions

Yes, M53.82 is a billable diagnosis code that can be used for reimbursements.

Common treatments for M53.82 may include physical therapy, massage, and medication, often provided in response to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, or limited mobility in the cervical spine.

The diagnosis code M53.82 refers to other specified dorsopathies, cervical region.

EHR and practice management software

Get started for free

*No credit card required

Start for free

Free

$0/usd

Unlimited clients

Telehealth

1GB of storage

Client portal text

Automated billing and online payments