M54.9 Dorsalgia, unspecified
ICD-10-CM · CMS code reference
M54.9 is back pain recorded with no location or type, such as backache NOS or back pain NOS (not otherwise specified). If the area is documented, use M54.2 for the neck, M54.6 for the thoracic spine, or M54.50 for the low back.
What to know
- A documented type has its own code: radiculopathy M54.1-, sciatica M54.3-, low back pain with sciatica M54.4-, occipital neuralgia M54.81.
Coding notes
From the ICD-10-CM FY2027 (effective October 1, 2026) tabular list. Notes on a parent code or category apply here too.
Also covers
- Backache NOS
- Back pain NOS
Excludes1
Not coded together with this code. The exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other.
- psychogenic dorsalgia (F45.41)
- current injury - see injury of spine by body region
- discitis NOS (M46.4-)
Related codes
M54.41Lumbago with sciatica, right side ICD-10-CMM54.42Lumbago with sciatica, left side ICD-10-CMM54.50Low back pain, unspecified ICD-10-CMM54.51Vertebrogenic low back pain ICD-10-CMM54.59Other low back pain ICD-10-CMM54.6Pain in thoracic spine ICD-10-CMM54.81Occipital neuralgia ICD-10-CMM54.89Other dorsalgia ICD-10-CM
Common questions
What's the difference between M54.9 and M54.50?
M54.9 is back pain with no location documented. M54.50 is low back pain, unspecified: the area is known but no further detail is. If the record says low back, M54.50 is the more specific choice.
Is M54.9 a billable code?
Yes. M54.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM code in the ICD-10-CM FY2027 (effective October 1, 2026) code set.