M48.02 – Spinal stenosis, cervical region

M48.02 Diagnosis Code: Spinal Stenosis, Cervical Region

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal, which houses the spinal cord and nerves, narrows down, leading to pressure and compression on the spinal cord and nerves. This compression can happen in any part of the spine, including the cervical region, which encompasses the neck area.

The Cervical Spinal Stenosis is diagnosed using the ICD-10 code M48.02. This condition can occur due to several factors, including aging, arthritis, herniated discs, or spinal injuries.

Some common symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis include neck pain, stiffness, numbness, or weakness in the arms, hands, and fingers. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or even paralysis. 

Treatment options for cervical spinal stenosis may include non-surgical methods like physical therapy, medications, and epidural steroid injections. However, surgery may be necessary in severe cases to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Is M48.02 Billable? 

Yes, M48.02 is a billable diagnosis code used to specify a medical condition.

Clinical Information

Spinal stenosis in the cervical region is a medical condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal that runs through the neck area, which causes pressure and compression on the spinal cord and nerves. It can occur due to several factors, including age-related degeneration, arthritis, herniated discs, or spinal injuries. Common symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis include neck pain, stiffness, and numbness or weakness in the arms, hands, and fingers.

Diagnosis of cervical spinal stenosis is typically made using imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans. 

Moreover, treatment options aim to alleviate symptoms, prevent further damage to the spinal cord, and improve the patient's quality of life. Non-surgical treatment options for cervical spinal stenosis may include physical therapy, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants, and epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases of cervical spinal stenosis, such as when there is a risk of permanent nerve damage or paralysis. Surgical options include decompression surgery, which involves removing bone or tissue compressing the spinal cord, or spinal fusion surgery, which involves fusing two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and prevent further compression.

Synonyms include

• M48.1 - Spinal stenosis, other than cervical
• M48.3 - Spinal stenosis, cervicothoracic region
• M48.00 - Spinal stenosis, unspecified region
• M48.06 - Spinal stenosis, multiple sites in spine
• M48.08 - Spinal stenosis, other regions of spine

Other ICD-10 Codes Commonly Used for Spinal Stenosis

These are the other ICD codes used for diagnosing spinal stenosis:

• M48.01 - Spinal stenosis, thoracic region
• M48.03 - Spinal stenosis, lumbar region
• M48.04 - Spinal stenosis, sacral region
• M48.8 - Other specified spondylopathies, including spinal stenosis