M54.9 – Dorsalgia, Unspecified

M54.9 Diagnosis Code: Dorsalgia, Unspecified

• M54.9 is an ICD-10-CM code for diagnosing unspecified dorsalgia, which refers to back pain without a specified underlying cause or location.
• Dorsalgia is a general term for pain or discomfort in the dorsal (back) region.
• It can affect any part of the back, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), and lumbar (lower back) regions.
• The pain can range from mild to severe and may be acute or chronic.
• Common causes of dorsalgia include muscle strain, ligament sprain, spinal misalignment, disc degeneration, and nerve compression.
• Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs.

Is M54.9 Billable?

Yes, M54.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM code that can indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Clinical Information

• Dorsalgia is a common complaint, with many individuals experiencing back pain at some point.
• Poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, and improper lifting techniques are common risk factors for back pain.
• Conservative treatment options for dorsalgia include physical therapy, pain medication, hot/cold therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
• In some cases, more invasive treatments, such as injections or surgery, may be necessary if conservative measures fail to provide relief.
• Early intervention and proper management of dorsalgia can help prevent chronic pain and disability.

Synonyms Include

• Unspecified back pain
• Backache, unspecified
• Back discomfort
• Generalized back pain
• Non-specific dorsalgia

Other ICD-10 Codes Commonly Used for Dorsalgia

• M54.2: Cervicalgia
• M54.5: Low back pain
• M54.6: Pain in thoracic spine
• M54.30: Sciatica, unspecified side
• M54.31: Sciatica, right side
• M54.32: Sciatica, left side
• M54.41: Lumbago with sciatica, right side
• M54.42: Lumbago with sciatica, left side
• M54.89: Other dorsalgia
• M53.3: Sacrococcygeal disorders, not elsewhere classified