M48.062 Spinal stenosis, lumbar region with neurogenic claudication

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Spinal stenosis, lumbar region with neurogenic claudication (ICD M48.062)**
- Commonly referred to as Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Neurogenic Claudication

#### Summary
- Lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication is a condition where the spinal canal in the lower back narrows, leading to nerve compression and symptoms such as pain and discomfort in the legs, especially during walking or standing.

#### Causes
- The condition is primarily caused by age-related changes such as degenerative arthritis, thickening of spinal ligaments, and herniated discs. Other causes can include spinal injuries, tumors, or genetic diseases affecting bone structure.

#### Risk Factors
- Factors include aging (most common in people over 50), a history of spine injuries or surgery, congenital spinal deformities, arthritis, and obesity.

#### Symptoms
- Common symptoms include lower back pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs, and pain that worsens with prolonged standing or walking and improves when sitting or bending forward.

#### Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is typically made through patient history, physical examinations, imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans, and occasionally X-rays to identify narrowing of the spinal canal.

#### Treatment Options
- Treatments include physical therapy to strengthen back muscles, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, and corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be required to decompress the spinal nerves.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With proper management, symptoms can often be alleviated, allowing patients to maintain a reasonable quality of life. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor condition progression and treatment effectiveness.

#### Complications
- Without treatment, spinal stenosis can lead to persistent pain, decreased mobility, and in severe cases, permanent nerve damage affecting bowel and bladder control.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular low-impact exercise, and avoiding activities that strain the back can help manage and potentially prevent worsening of the condition.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Seek immediate professional help if experiencing sudden loss of bowel or bladder control, severe weakness or numbness in the legs, or debilitating pain.

#### Additional Resources
- **National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)**
- **The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)**
- **Arthritis Foundation**

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure accurate coding by cross-referencing symptoms and diagnostic reports to confirm spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication. Avoid confusing lumbar region stenosis with other spinal levels or conditions without neurogenic components.

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