---
title: "ICD-10-CM M54.9: Dorsalgia, unspecified | BillingBrief"
description: "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…"
canonical: "https://billingbrief.com/icd10/m54.9/"
language: "en"
---

# M54.9 Dorsalgia, unspecified

ICD-10-CM · [CMS code reference](#source)

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

-   [`M54.41` Lumbago with sciatica, right side ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/m54.41/)
-   [`M54.42` Lumbago with sciatica, left side ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/m54.42/)
-   [`M54.50` Low back pain, unspecified ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/m54.50/)
-   [`M54.51` Vertebrogenic low back pain ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/m54.51/)
-   [`M54.59` Other low back pain ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/m54.59/)
-   [`M54.6` Pain in thoracic spine ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/m54.6/)
-   [`M54.81` Occipital neuralgia ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/m54.81/)
-   [`M54.89` Other dorsalgia ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/m54.89/)

## 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.

## From the source

Official description from [CMS](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coding-billing/icd-10-codes).
ICD-10-CM FY2027 (effective October 1, 2026).

Code set

ICD-10-CM

Category

M54 Dorsalgia

Chapter

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue

Billable

Yes

Educational reference only. Not medical, legal, or billing advice. Always check the current official code set and payer policy before you bill. [About BillingBrief and our sources](https://billingbrief.com/about/).