M54.9 – Dorsalgia, unspecified

M54.9 diagnosis code: Dorsalgia, unspecified

• M54.9 is an ICD-10-CM code for diagnosing unspecified dorsalgia, which refers to back pain without a specified underlying cause or location.
• Dorsalgia is a general term for discomfort and acute or chronic pain located in the dorsal (back) region that may range from mild to severe.
• It can affect any part of the back, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), and lumbar (lower back) regions.
• Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs.

Is M54.9 billable?

Yes, M54.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM code that can indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Clinical information

• Back pain is a common medical issue in the U.S., varying from a dull ache to sharp pain that may radiate down the leg. It can result from injuries, heavy lifting, or gradual age-related spine changes, and in some cases, from inflammatory arthritis or other health conditions (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2023).
• Dorsalgia is a disorder characterized by a marked discomfort sensation in the dorsal region or a body structure felt in no other area but the back.
• Patients with this condition commonly experience symptoms such as a painful sensation, constant ache, sharp pain, or an unpleasant feeling, indicating potential or actual damage in their lower back.
• Poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, and improper lifting techniques are common risk factors for chronic and acute back pain.
• Conservative treatment options for dorsalgia include physical therapy, pain medication, hot or cold packs, lifestyle modifications, and complementary and alternative treatments.
• In some cases, more invasive treatments, such as injections or surgery, may be necessary if conservative measures fail to provide relief.
• Early intervention and proper management of dorsalgia can help prevent chronic pain and disability.

Synonyms include

• Unspecified back pain
• Backache, unspecified
• Back discomfort
• Generalized back pain
• Non-specific dorsalgia
• Backache without radiculopathy
• Chronic back pain for greater than 3 months

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for dorsalgia

• M54.2: Cervicalgia
• M54.5: Low back pain
• M54.6: Pain in thoracic spine
• M54.30: Sciatica, unspecified side
• M54.31: Sciatica, right side
• M54.32: Sciatica, left side
• M54.41: Lumbago with sciatica, right side
• M54.42: Lumbago with sciatica, left side
• M54.89: Other dorsalgia
• M53.3: Sacrococcygeal disorders, not elsewhere classified pain

Reference

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2023, February). Back pain. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain