S13.4 – Sprain of ligaments of cervical spine

S13.4 – Sprain of ligaments of cervical spine

The ICD-10-CM code S13.4 is used to diagnose a patient with a sprain of ligaments of their cervical 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 Alex King on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.

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‍S13.4 diagnosis code: Sprain of ligaments of cervical spine‍

The S13.4 is an ICD code that's included in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), and it is used to designate “Sprain of ligaments of cervical spine.” It is under the code S13: Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments at neck level.

This ICD-10 code refers to the sprain of cervical ligaments. This is a frequently encountered cause of neck pain. When cervical ligaments are strained, it indicates that these ligaments have been torn away from the joints to which they are attached. What normally causes cervical sprains are the overuse and overstretching of the neck. Sometimes, accidents like falling can cause them. Even having poor posture can contribute to or become the cause of the sprain.

Is S13.4 billable?

No, this ICD-10 code is not billable because it is a non-specific code. It's best to use codes with more specificity, like S13.4XXA, which is for the same problem but designates it for an initial encounter.

Clinical information

A sprain of the cervical ligament refers to the tearing of the ligaments from the joints to which they are connected which can affect the cervical vertebrae and cervical intervertebral disc. If a patient has a cervical ligament sprain, they are likely to have the following symptoms:

  • Pain in the back of their neck
  • The pain in the neck worsens whenever they move it
  • Aches in the back of the head
  • Muscle spasms in the shoulder area
  • Pain in the upper shoulder area
  • Numbness in the upper extremities
  • Neck is stiff or has less motion

The sprain of cervical spine ligaments is normally caused by overuse or overstretching. It is also caused by accidents that cause compression in the cervical spine, and even by just having poor posture.

Patients with cervical spine ligament sprain should rest and use ice or heat packs to treat it. Pain relievers and muscle relaxants are also normally part of the treatment. Some providers have their patients wear a soft collar that will be used to relieve pressure from the cervical ligaments. Other non-surgical treatments include massage, physical therapy, and even aerobic exercises.

If the sprain is severe and is beyond a superficial injury, then surgery might be the best choice, but this should be the last resort.

Synonyms include

  • Acute cervical sprain
  • Cervical anterior longitudinal ligament sprain
  • Cervical spine sprain
  • Injury of muscle of neck
  • Injury to ligament of cervical spine
  • Neck sprain
  • Stiff neck
  • Whiplash injury to neck

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for the sprain of spinal ligaments

Commonly asked questions

No, this ICD-10 code is not billable because it is a non-specific ICD-10 code.

It means that the patient is confirmed to have cervical spine ligament sprains, but it isn’t specific regarding the encounter (initial or subsequent). It’s best to use more specific codes like S13.4XXA (initial encounter), S13.4XXD (subsequent encounter), or S13.4XXS (sequela).

Resting, exercise, physical therapy, pain relievers, and muscle relaxants.

Related ICDs

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