M54.50 Low back pain, unspecified

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Low Back Pain, Unspecified
- Includes terms such as lumbago or lumbar pain.

#### Summary
- Low back pain refers to discomfort located in the lower back region. This specific ICD code, M54.50, indicates an unspecified cause, meaning it does not attribute the pain to any recognized underlying condition or injury.

#### Causes
- Causes of low back pain can vary and include muscle or ligament strain, disc deterioration, arthritis, skeletal irregularities, or lack of a specific diagnosable source.

#### Risk Factors
- Risk factors include aging, poor physical fitness, obesity, genetic predisposition, certain occupational hazards, and lifestyle factors such as smoking.

#### Symptoms
- Symptoms typically include a persistent ache, muscle stiffness, limited range of motion in the lower back, and occasionally referred pain to the legs.

#### Diagnosis
- Diagnosis often relies on a physical examination, patient history, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to rule out other causes.

#### Treatment Options
- Treatment may include pain relievers (NSAIDs), physical therapy, exercises to strengthen the back muscles, chiropractic adjustments, and in some cases, surgical intervention if a specific underlying condition is identified.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- The prognosis is generally good with most individuals seeing improvement with treatment. Regular follow-up can help monitor progress and prevent recurrence.

#### Complications
- Without proper management, complications can include chronic pain, decreased mobility, or progression to more serious spinal conditions.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and using ergonomically designed furniture can help prevent the onset or escalation of low back pain.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Seek medical assistance if the pain is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, spreads down the legs, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or weakness.

#### Additional Resources
- American Chiropractic Association (ACA)
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure that M54.50 is used only when no specific underlying cause is documented.
- Verify accompanying documentation to avoid confusion with specific low back pain diagnoses, which may have different codes.

Medical Policies and Guidelines for Low back pain, unspecified

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