M54.5 – Low Back Pain

M54.5 Diagnosis Code: Low Back Pain

• M54.5 diagnoses low back pain, a common condition affecting millions worldwide.
• Low back pain can be acute or chronic, with varying intensity and duration.
• Possible causes include muscle strain, ligament sprain, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, or degenerative disc disease.
• The diagnosis may involve a physical examination, medical history, and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.
• Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and may include pain management, physical therapy, or surgical intervention.

Is M54.5 Billable?

Yes, M54.5 is a billable ICD-10-CM code for low back pain. This code can be used for reimbursement purposes by healthcare providers. The specificity of the code allows for accurate documentation and tracking of low back pain cases.

Clinical Information

• Low back pain is the leading cause of disability globally.
• It can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time.
• Risk factors include age, occupation, poor posture, obesity, and lack of physical activity.
• Noninvasive treatments such as exercise, heat/cold therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers are often effective.
• In some cases, referral to a specialist, such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor, may be necessary.

Synonyms Include

• Lumbago
• Lumbar pain
• Low backache
• Lower back discomfort
• Pain in the lumbar region

Other ICD-10 Codes Commonly Used for Back Pain

• M54.2: Cervicalgia (neck pain)
• M54.3: Sciatica
• M54.16: Thoracic spine pain
• M54.41: Lumbosacral radiculopathy
• M54.4: Lumbago with sciatica
• M54.6: Pain in the thoracic spine
• M54.89: Other dorsalgia
• M54.9: Dorsalgia, unspecified