M50.31 Other cervical disc degeneration, high cervical region

ICD-10-CM Code M50.31: Other Cervical Disc Degeneration, High Cervical Region

ICD-10-CM code M50.31 designates a diagnosis of other cervical disc degeneration located in the high cervical region. Cervical disc degeneration is an age-related structural deterioration of the intervertebral discs that can be present in individuals without neck pain. Clinical studies indicate that this disc deterioration can lead to neck pain, which may be accompanied by stiffness, headaches, or shoulder pain. 1 2 3

What this code represents

ICD-10-CM code M50.31 represents the diagnosis of other cervical disc degeneration in the high cervical region, classified as a disease or syndrome. This musculoskeletal condition may impact functional mobility, pain perception, and overall quality of life. 3 4

Plain-language overview

Cervical disc degeneration is a naturally occurring age-related phenomenon involving the biochemical and structural deterioration of the intervertebral discs. The prevalence of this disc degeneration increases with age, and it is found in people who do not have neck pain. 1 2

Clinical context

Clinical studies indicate that cervical intervertebral disc degeneration can lead to neck pain. This neck pain may be accompanied by stiffness of the neck, headache, unilateral or bilateral shoulder pain, nonroot arm pain, ocular and vestibular dysfunction, and pain in the anterior chest wall. 2

Cervical disc degeneration, cervical spondylosis, and disc herniation exist along a continuum of cervical spine degeneration. Disc degeneration refers specifically to the deterioration of the intervertebral discs, whereas cervical spondylosis describes broader osteoarthritic changes that follow. 1

Documentation considerations

Documentation for this condition may include imaging findings confirming degeneration consistent with the high cervical region. Example coding scenarios also show the use of laterality modifiers, such as documenting left-sided involvement, and chronicity modifiers when applicable to a prior injury. 4

Coding details

Code M50.31 may be modified to specify laterality, such as using M50.31-L for documented left-sided involvement. Coders may also apply a chronicity modifier where applicable for cases involving chronic pain after a prior injury with imaging-confirmed degeneration. 4

What the sources add

While the clinical literature defines cervical disc degeneration as an age-related biochemical and structural deterioration, the coding reference specifically assigns this concept to the high cervical region. The coding source also adds that the condition can arise from biomechanical stress, systemic inflammation, or trauma. 1 4

Magnetic resonance imaging is identified as the gold standard for evaluating degeneration of the cervical spine because it provides visualization of ligaments, discs, and neural structures. The coding reference supports this by noting that reviewed imaging indicates findings consistent with this disc degeneration. 1 4

Sources

1. Bookshelf — ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-26.
2. Cervical disc degeneration and neck pain — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-26.
3. EVS Explore — evsexplore.semantics.cancer.gov; accessed 2026-07-26.
4. M50.31 Other cervical disc degeneration, high cervical region | ICD-10 Code Explained (Cervical Disc Disorders) — sprypt.com; accessed 2026-07-26.