Understanding Cervical Neck Pain (Cervicalgia) diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. Find information on clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes for neck pain, and healthcare resources for Cervicalgia and neck pain management. Learn about causes, diagnosis, and effective treatment options for cervical neck pain.
Also known as
Cervicalgia
Pain localized to the cervical region.
Cervicocranial Syndromes
Neck pain associated with headache and other symptoms.
Dorsalgia
Pain in the back, including the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions.
Brachial Plexus Disorders
Disorders affecting nerves that can cause cervical and neck pain.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the cervical neck pain traumatic in origin?
Yes
Is there a fracture?
No
Radiculopathy or neuralgia?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Neck pain localized to the cervical spine. |
Pain radiating from the neck into the arm. |
Whiplash injury to the neck. |
Coding cervical neck pain without specifying laterality (right, left, or bilateral) can lead to claim denials and inaccurate reporting.
Neck pain can be a symptom of a more specific underlying condition. Coding only 'neck pain' may miss the true diagnosis and impact reimbursement.
Distinguishing between acute and chronic neck pain is crucial for accurate coding, affecting medical necessity for certain treatments and procedures.
Q: What are the most effective differential diagnostic considerations for chronic cervical neck pain with radiculopathy in patients refractory to conservative treatment?
A: Chronic cervical neck pain with radiculopathy resistant to conservative therapies necessitates a thorough differential diagnosis. Key considerations include cervical disc herniation with nerve root compression, foraminal stenosis, cervical spondylosis, and less common etiologies such as tumors, infections, or inflammatory arthritis. Accurate diagnosis relies on a combination of physical examination findings, including neurological assessment, imaging studies like MRI and CT scans, and electrodiagnostic tests such as electromyography and nerve conduction studies. Explore how integrating advanced imaging techniques and electrodiagnostic studies can improve diagnostic accuracy and guide targeted interventions for complex cervical radiculopathy cases. Consider implementing a multidisciplinary approach involving pain management specialists, physical therapists, and potentially surgeons for optimal patient outcomes.
Q: How can clinicians differentiate between mechanical neck pain and cervical radiculopathy using physical examination maneuvers and diagnostic imaging?
A: Differentiating mechanical neck pain from cervical radiculopathy requires a systematic approach incorporating specific physical examination maneuvers and judicious use of diagnostic imaging. Mechanical neck pain typically presents with localized pain and stiffness, often aggravated by movement. Physical exam findings may reveal tenderness to palpation, limited range of motion, and muscle spasm, but neurological examination is usually normal. Cervical radiculopathy, on the other hand, involves nerve root compression, manifesting as radiating pain, paresthesias, weakness, and diminished reflexes in the affected dermatome and myotome. Spurling's test and the upper limb tension test can be particularly helpful in identifying radicular involvement. Diagnostic imaging, such as MRI, can confirm the presence of disc herniation, foraminal stenosis, or other structural abnormalities compressing nerve roots. Learn more about the clinical utility of specific provocative tests and imaging modalities in distinguishing these conditions and guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
Patient presents with complaints of cervical neck pain, also known as cervicalgia. Onset of pain was reported as [onset - e.g., gradual, sudden] [duration - e.g., three weeks ago, two days ago] and is described as [quality - e.g., sharp, dull, aching, throbbing] and located in the [location - e.g., upper cervical spine, lower cervical spine, radiating to right shoulder]. Patient reports [frequency - e.g., constant, intermittent] pain with [exacerbating factors - e.g., movement, prolonged sitting] and [alleviating factors - e.g., rest, ice, over-the-counter pain medication]. Associated symptoms include [associated symptoms - e.g., headaches, stiffness, numbness, tingling in the arms/hands, limited range of motion]. Review of systems is otherwise negative. Physical examination reveals [objective findings - e.g., tenderness to palpation of the cervical paraspinal muscles, decreased range of motion in flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending, positive Spurling's test]. Neurological examination is [neurological findings - e.g., intact, reveals diminished reflexes in the right biceps]. Differential diagnosis includes cervical spondylosis, muscle strain, whiplash injury, herniated disc, and nerve root compression. Assessment: Cervical neck pain (ICD-10: M54.2). Plan: Conservative management is recommended, including [treatment plan - e.g., rest, ice, heat therapy, over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or naproxen, physical therapy referral for range of motion exercises and strengthening, patient education on proper posture and ergonomics]. Follow-up appointment scheduled in [duration - e.g., one week, two weeks] to assess response to treatment. Referral to [specialist - e.g., neurologist, orthopedist] will be considered if symptoms do not improve.