Find information on upper back strain diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes, symptoms, treatment, and muscle strain. Learn about thoracic spine pain, back muscle pain, and upper back pain relief. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on proper documentation and coding for upper back strain for accurate billing and reimbursement. This resource provides details on identifying and documenting upper back muscle strain, including relevant medical terminology and best practices for healthcare providers.
Also known as
Sprains and strains of thoracic spine
Injury to soft tissues supporting the mid-back.
Low back pain
Pain in the lower back, sometimes extending upward.
Myalgia
Muscle pain, which can occur in the upper back.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Traumatic injury?
Yes
Initial encounter?
No
Overexertion?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Upper back muscle strain |
Thoracic facet syndrome |
Intercostal neuralgia |
Patient presents with complaints of upper back pain, consistent with a diagnosis of upper back strain (thoracic strain). Onset of pain was reported as [onset - e.g., gradual, sudden] and began [duration - e.g., two days ago, one week ago] following [possible cause - e.g., lifting heavy objects, strenuous activity, prolonged sitting, awkward sleeping position, fall, MVA]. Pain quality is described as [pain quality - e.g., aching, sharp, dull, throbbing, burning] and located in the [location - e.g., upper back, between the shoulder blades, right paraspinal muscles, left trapezius region]. Patient denies any radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the extremities. Pain is aggravated by [aggravating factors - e.g., movement, deep breathing, certain postures] and relieved by [relieving factors - e.g., rest, heat, over-the-counter pain medication]. Physical examination reveals [physical exam findings - e.g., muscle tenderness to palpation in the upper back, paraspinal muscle spasm, limited range of motion in the thoracic spine, no neurological deficits]. Differential diagnoses considered include muscle strain, myofascial pain syndrome, and vertebral fracture. Vertebral fracture is considered unlikely due to the [reasoning, e.g., mechanism of injury, lack of significant trauma]. Diagnosis of upper back strain is supported by the patient's history and physical examination findings. Treatment plan includes [treatment plan - e.g., rest, ice, heat therapy, over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, gentle stretching, physical therapy referral]. Patient education provided on proper body mechanics, posture, and lifting techniques. Follow-up appointment scheduled in [duration - e.g., one week, two weeks] to assess response to treatment and adjust plan as needed. ICD-10 code M75.1 (thoracic strain) is appropriate for this diagnosis.