M51.34 – Other intervertebral disc degeneration, thoracic region

M51.34 Diagnosis Code: Other Intervertebral Disc Degeneration, Thoracic Region

Clinical Description

• Code Definition: M51.34 is a specific code under ICD-10-CM that refers to other intervertebral disc degeneration thoracic region. These changes could be due to age, injury, or general wear and tear.
• Location Specificity: This code specifically points to the thoracic spine region, the central part of the back between the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions.
• Signs and Symptoms: Patients with this condition may experience chronic back pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, or in more serious cases, neurological symptoms due to nerve compression.
• Risk Factors: Factors that may increase the risk of this condition include advanced age, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, repetitive strenuous activity, or previous spine injury.
• Diagnostic Methods: Diagnosis generally involves a physical examination, patient history, and imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to visualize the degenerated discs.
• Treatment Modalities: Management of this condition can range from conservative treatments such as physiotherapy and medication to surgical interventions in severe cases. The treatment choice is based on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health status.

Is M51.34 Billable?

Yes, M51.34 is a billable code. This means it can be used in medical billing to specify a diagnosis on a reimbursement claim.

Clinical Information

• M51.34 is used to diagnose degenerative changes occurring in the thoracic spine region.
• These changes often manifest as back pain, limited flexibility, or even more serious neurological symptoms if nerve compression occurs.
• This condition may be observed in individuals of various age groups but is more common in middle-aged and older individuals.
• It can be associated with a sedentary lifestyle, chronic strain on the back, poor posture, or trauma.
• While treatment varies depending on severity, it could involve medication, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, or surgery in more severe cases.

Synonyms Include:

• Degeneration of thoracic intervertebral disc
• Thoracic disc disorder
• Thoracic disc degeneration
• Degenerative disc disease, thoracic
• Thoracic intervertebral disc disorder

Other ICD-10 Codes Commonly Used for Other Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

• M51.24 - Other intervertebral disc degeneration, thoracic region
• M51.26 - Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region
• M51.27 - Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbosacral region
• M51.35 - Other intervertebral disc degeneration, thoracolumbar region
• M51.36 - Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region
• M51.37 - Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbosacral region
• M48.06 - Spinal stenosis, lumbar region
• M48.07 - Spinal stenosis, lumbosacral region
• M51.17 - Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbosacral region
• M51.16 - Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region