ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M54.1 - Radiculopathy (original) (raw)

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ICD List 2025-2026 Edition

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  6. 2026 ICD-10-CM Code M54.1

Radiculopathy

ICD-10-CM Code:

M54.1

ICD-10 Code for:

Radiculopathy

Is Billable?

Not Valid for Submission

Code Navigator:

M54.1 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity from the list below for a diagnosis of radiculopathy. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2026 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Non-specific codes like M54.1 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following billable codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for radiculopathy:

Use M54.10 for Radiculopathy, site unspecified

Use M54.11 for Radiculopathy, occipito-atlanto-axial region

Use M54.12 for Radiculopathy, cervical region

Use M54.13 for Radiculopathy, cervicothoracic region

Use M54.14 for Radiculopathy, thoracic region

Use M54.15 for Radiculopathy, thoracolumbar region

Use M54.16 for Radiculopathy, lumbar region

Use M54.17 for Radiculopathy, lumbosacral region

Use M54.18 for Radiculopathy, sacral and sacrococcygeal region

  1. Code Information
  2. Specific Coding
  3. Clinical Information
  4. Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries
  5. Index to Diseases and Injuries References
  7. Patient Education
  8. Other Codes Used Similar Conditions
  9. Code History

disease involving a spinal nerve root (see spinal nerve roots) which may result from compression related to intervertebral disk displacement; spinal cord injuries; spinal diseases; and other conditions. clinical manifestations include radicular pain, weakness, and sensory loss referable to structures innervated by the involved nerve root.

The following annotation back-references for this diagnosis code are found in the injuries and diseases index. The Index to Diseases and Injuries is an alphabetical listing of medical terms, with each term mapped to one or more ICD-10-CM code(s).

References found for this diagnosis code in the External Cause of Injuries Index:

Back Pain

If you've ever groaned, "Oh, my aching back!", you are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain is called chronic if it lasts for more than three months.

Most back pain goes away on its own, though it may take awhile. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and resting can help. However, staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can make it worse.

If your back pain is severe or doesn't improve after three days, you should call your health care provider. You should also get medical attention if you have back pain following an injury.

Treatment for back pain depends on what kind of pain you have, and what is causing it. It may include hot or cold packs, exercise, medicines, injections, complementary treatments, and sometimes surgery.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Peripheral Nerve Disorders

What are peripheral nerves?

Nerves are like wires that carry messages back and forth between your brain and your body. Your peripheral nerves branch off from your brain and spinal cord and connect to all parts of your body, including your muscles and organs. Peripheral nerves carry messages from your brain that control your movement, breathing, heartbeat, digestion, and more. They also carry messages from your body to your brain, so you can feel things, such as pain, heat, and cold.

What are peripheral nerve disorders?

Peripheral nerve disorders happen when one or more peripheral nerves are damaged. Damaged nerves may not carry messages correctly, or they may not work at all. As a result, you may have pain, trouble walking, or a variety of other problems, depending on which nerves are involved.

Peripheral nerve disorders are very common. There are more than 100 different types.

What causes peripheral nerve disorders?

Many things can damage nerves and lead to peripheral nerve disorders:

In certain cases, the cause of peripheral nerve disorder is not known.

What are the symptoms of peripheral nerve disorders?

The symptoms of peripheral nerve disorders depend on which nerves are affected, what is causing the damage, and how serious it is:

Types of nerves Possible symptoms of nerve damage
Motor nerves control your muscles and all your movement, such as walking, talking, and using your hands. Weak or aching musclesProblems with balance, walking, or using your arms and handsCramps or twitching musclesMuscle shrinking
Sensory nerves carry messages to your brain from your senses, including touch, hot and cold, and pain. Tingling, numbness, or pain often in the hands and feetNot being able to feel heat, cold, or pain, such as a cut on your footPain from even light touch
Autonomic nerves send messages to your organs to control breathing, digestion, and other body functions that happen without thinking about them. A heartbeat that's too fast or too slowTrouble swallowingSweating too much or too littleVomiting, diarrhea, or constipationProblems with urination or sexual function

Symptoms may range from mild to very strong. They may develop quickly over days or slowly over months and years. But they are rarely life-threatening.

How are peripheral nerve disorders diagnosed?

To find out if you have a peripheral nerve disorder, your provider will:

What are the treatments for peripheral nerve disorders?

It's important to treat any conditions that are causing nerve damage. In certain cases, that will allow your nerves to heal over time.

Treatment for symptoms depends on the type of peripheral nerve disorder you have, where it is, and how severe. Treatment options include:

Can peripheral nerve disorders be prevented?

You can help prevent peripheral nerve disorders by:

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States. It might feel like a dull, constant ache or a sudden, sharp pain.
[Learn More in MedlinePlus]