M51.17 Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, lumbosacral region

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, lumbosacral region**
- Commonly referred to as herniated disc with nerve root pain in the lower back.

#### Summary
- This condition involves an issue with the discs between the vertebrae in the lower back, leading to pain that radiates along a nerve due to compression or irritation.

#### Causes
- Common causes include wear and tear due to aging, injury, heavy lifting, or a sudden strain on the spine.

#### Risk Factors
- Age (typically between 30-50 years), obesity, sedentary lifestyle, repetitive lifting, and smoking.

#### Symptoms
- Lower back pain, tingling or numbness in the legs, weakness in the leg muscles, and pain that worsens with movement.

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination, reviewing patient history, MRI, or CT scans to identify disc damage and nerve compression.

#### Treatment Options
- **Medications:** NSAIDs for pain and inflammation.
- **Physical Therapy:** To strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
- **Steroid Injections:** To reduce inflammation around the nerve.
- **Surgery:** In severe cases, discectomy or spinal fusion to relieve nerve pressure.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Many patients improve with conservative treatments over weeks to months.
- Regular follow-ups to monitor progress and manage symptoms effectively.

#### Complications
- Chronic pain, worsening of symptoms, or permanent nerve damage if untreated.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, proper posture, and using correct techniques for lifting heavy objects.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience intense pain, weakness, or loss of bowel or bladder control.

#### Additional Resources
- [American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)](https://www.aaos.org)
- [National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)](https://www.ninds.nih.gov)
- [Spine-health](https://www.spine-health.com)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Verify the documentation specifies both the intervertebral disc disorder and its association with radiculopathy in the lumbosacral region.
- Ensure accurate use of the ICD-10 code M51.17 to prevent common errors such as coding unspecified regions.

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