S23.3XXA – Sprain of ligaments of thoracic spine, initial encounter

Learn all about the ICD-10-CM code S33.5XXA, which is for diagnosing the sprain of the thoracic spine ligaments during the initial encounter with the patient. This little guide will include what its clinical description is, if it’s billable or not, what its synonyms are, what other ICD codes are related to it, and a few FAQs.

By Bernard Ramirez on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.

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S23.3XXA diagnosis code: Sprain of ligaments of thoracic spine, initial encounter

The S23.3XXA is an ICD code that's included in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM, for short), and it is used to designate “Sprain of ligaments of thoracic spine, initial encounter.”

This ICD-10 code refers to the sprain of thoracic spine ligaments. This type of sprain is uncommon because the thoracic spine is the part of the back with the least movement. Typically, the cervical and lumbar spines are the common ones since they're the parts of the spine that move the most. Thoracic spine ligament sprains are usually caused by traumatic and injury-causing scenarios and carrying excessively heavy things.

The “initial encounter” part of this diagnosis code's name means that a certain provider is diagnosing and treating a patient for the first time. Even if the patient has already been diagnosed with the same thing before, the “initial encounter” applies if the provider never treated them.

This code is also used if the patient is undergoing active thoracic spine ligament sprain treatment.

Is the S23.3XXA billable?

Yes, this ICD-10-CM code is billable and can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement. For subsequent encounter and sequela, change A to D or S consequently.

S23.3XXA clinical information

If thoracic spine ligaments are sprained, that means that these ligaments are torn from the joints they're attached to. If you have a patient who has thoracic spine ligament sprain, they will likely have the following symptoms:

There is pain in the middle of the back, especially while moving
Pain intensifies when they do activities that involve their back
They have a hard time bending or lifting things
Their thoracic spinal area has swelling or bruises
They feel a tearing sensation in the thoracic region

Ligament sprains in the thoracic spine are normally caused by falling or vehicular accidents. They are also caused by engaging in strenuous activities. One of the most common causes of thoracic spine ligament sprains is carrying heavy objects and lifting them awkwardly. Weightlifting in the gym is an example.

If a person doesn't know the proper form they need to assume when lifting weights, and they just decide to lift something that they shouldn't be lifting in the first place, they might throw out their back, and it might sustain thoracic spine ligament sprain.

The treatments for this kind of spinal problem are usually non-invasive: resting, using an ice compress, anti-inflammatory medicine, exercise, and physical therapy. Patients undergoing treatment for this type of sprain should know that excessive resting isn't good. They need to exercise their spine from time to time. In worse cases, surgery might be the best option.

S23.3XXA synonyms include

Thoracic sprain
Sprain of spinal ligament
Sprain of thoracic ligament
Thoracic back sprain
Thoracic ligament sprain

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for thoracic spine problems

S23.0XXA - Traumatic rupture of thoracic intervertebral disc, initial encounter
S23.100A - Subluxation of unspecified thoracic vertebra, initial encounter
S23.101A - Dislocation of unspecified thoracic vertebra, initial encounter
S23.110A - Subluxation of T1/T2 thoracic vertebra, initial encounter
S23.111A - Dislocation of T1/T2 thoracic vertebra, initial encounter
S23.120A - Subluxation of T2/T3 thoracic vertebra, initial encounter
S23.121A - Dislocation of T2/T3 thoracic vertebra, initial encounter
S23.122A - Subluxation of T3/T4 thoracic vertebra, initial encounter
S23.123A - Dislocation of T3/T4 thoracic vertebra, initial encounter
S23.130A - Subluxation of T4/T5 thoracic vertebra, initial encounter
S23.131A - Dislocation of T4/T5 thoracic vertebra, initial encounter

Commonly asked questions

Yes, this ICD-10 code is billable.

It means that the patient is confirmed to have a thoracic spine ligament sprain, and it is their first time to be assessed by a certain provider.

Rest, exercise, ice compress (or bandages), physical therapy, steroids, and anti-inflammatory medicine.

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