Find information on lower back pain diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10, M54.5), and healthcare resources. Learn about lumbago, lumbar pain, backache, and sciatica related to lower back pain. Explore treatment options, pain management strategies, and diagnostic criteria for accurate lower back pain assessment.
Also known as
Low back pain
Pain in the lower back region.
Lumbago with sciatica
Lower back pain radiating down the leg.
Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back
Injury to lower back muscles, fascia, and tendons.
Lumbago due to intervertebral disc displacement
Lower back pain due to a slipped disc.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the lower back pain related to trauma?
Yes
Is there a fracture?
No
Radiculopathy/Sciatica?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Lower back pain |
Lumbar spondylosis |
Lumbar radiculopathy |
Using only M54.5 (low back pain) without specifying laterality, underlying cause, or impact on function risks underpayment and inaccurate data.
Confusing sciatica (M54.1) with lumbago (M54.5) or other related back pain diagnoses can lead to coding errors and claim denials.
Lack of specific documentation regarding the cause, location, and severity of lower back pain hinders accurate code assignment and CDI efforts.
Patient presents with complaints of lower back pain (LBP). Onset of pain is reported as [Onset - e.g., gradual, acute, traumatic]. Pain quality is described as [Pain Quality - e.g., sharp, dull, aching, burning, radiating]. Pain intensity is reported as [Pain Scale Rating - e.g., 4/10 on a numerical rating scale]. The location of the pain is specified as [Location - e.g., lumbar spine, lumbosacral region, radiating to buttock/leg]. Aggravating factors include [Aggravating Factors - e.g., bending, lifting, prolonged sitting, standing]. Alleviating factors include [Alleviating Factors - e.g., rest, ice, heat, over-the-counter pain medication]. Patient denies [Pertinent Negatives - e.g., bowel or bladder incontinence, saddle anesthesia]. Physical examination reveals [Objective Findings - e.g., tenderness to palpation in the lumbar paraspinal muscles, limited range of motion in lumbar flexion and extension, positive straight leg raise test on the [Right/Left/Bilateral] side]. Neurological examination of the lower extremities is [Neurological Exam Findings - e.g., intact, reveals diminished reflexes in [Reflex], decreased sensation in [Dermatome]]. Differential diagnoses include lumbar strain, lumbar sprain, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease. Assessment: Lower back pain. Plan: Conservative management is initiated, including [Treatment Plan - e.g., rest, ice, heat therapy, NSAIDs, physical therapy referral]. Patient education provided regarding proper body mechanics, lifting techniques, and pain management strategies. Follow-up scheduled in [Duration - e.g., one week, two weeks] to assess response to treatment. Further investigations may include [Diagnostic Studies if indicated - e.g., lumbar X-ray, MRI] if symptoms persist or worsen. ICD-10 code: [ICD-10 Code - e.g., M54.5].