If you are reading this, my guess is that you are seeking information about the ICD 10 code for chronic back pain. Not to worry, this post will provide you that information and more.
The ICD 10 code for chronic back pain is M54.5 and it is used for diagnosis purposes. The code was introduced on October 1, 2018. This code is the American version and it is necessary that it is labeled thus. The reason is that there are several other international codes which could cause a conflict if you are not sure of the origin.
There is a lot to know about chronic back pain. Read further to gain some more important information about this condition and how you can treat it at home.
What is Chronic Back Pain?
Back pain is just as the name implies, pain anywhere in the back. It is one of the major reasons why workers stay away from work. Back pain, especially when it is chronic, could be very uncomfortable, reducing a person’s productivity.
Chronic back pain could be resultant from several causes including certain medical conditions, injuries, and human activity. Though the risk of back pain is higher with older folks, it can be found in people of all ages as a result of several factors.
Causes of chronic back pain in the lower and upper regions of the back are mostly different. In the upper back, it may result from tumors around the chest, inflammation in the spine, or disorders in the aorta. While in the lower back it may result from issues regarding the vertebral discs, muscles in the lower back, ligaments, bony lumbar spine, internal organs, etc.
Why the back pain is referred to as chronic is because it has been there for a while or it is recurring. Usually, the pain must have been existent for up to three months.
Causes of Chronic Back Pain
Having discussed what chronic back pain is, it is important to talk about the causes. With proper knowledge of the causes then you can understand what puts you at risk and how you can fix it. The back is made up of a complicated structure built of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and discs. All of these work in tandem to give support to the body and aid movement.
Different parts of the spine are cushioned by small structures known as discs. These discs are made of cartilage. As expected, when there is a problem with any of these structures in the back, back pain occurs. Sometimes, as much as we try to figure out the cause of the pain, it just remains hidden.
Below are the most likely causes of back pain:
1. Strain:
Chronic back pain which results from strains and tensions are not uncommon. These are the most common causes of strains in the back.
- Muscle spasms
- Strained ligaments or muscles.
- Damaged discs.
- Tension in the muscles.
- Fractures, injuries, or falls.
Some of the activities that could result in strains include:
- Improper lifting of heavy objects.
- Lifting of very heavy objects, especially when it is in the line of work.
- Awkward or abrupt movements.
2. Structural problems:
There are a couple of structural problems that could result in chronic back pain, they include:
- Ruptured discs. If any of the discs cushioning the vertebrae is ruptured, it could lead to back pain.
- Bulging discs. These could place undue pressure on the nerves in the back, leading to back pain.
- This is a serious pain that shoots from the lower back to the legs caused by bulging discs.
- The most common is osteoarthritis and it could cause a lot of problems in the back, especially the narrowing of the spaces in the spine.
- An unusual curvature of the spine. A major example is a scoliosis. When the back is curved wrongly, it will lead to pain.
- When the bones are porous and brittle, there is a greater risk of fractures. These are among the main causes of chronic back pain.
- Kidney stones. You could feel pain in your back if you have a kidney infection such as kidney stones.
3. Posture and movement.
Your daily activities and posture could result in chronic back pain. Examples of this include:
- Sneezing or coughing
- Twisting
- Over-stretching
- Muscle tension
- Awkward bends for extended periods
- Carrying, pulling, pushing, or lifting heavy objects
- Sitting or standing for extended periods
- Pushing the neck forward for extended periods, probably when using a computer or driving
- Extended driving sessions
- Sleeping on a bad mattress.
4. A few other causes.
Asides those mentioned above, you could experience back pain because of the following causes:
- This infection affects the nerves and when it affects those in the back, back pain results.
- Sleep disorders. If you have a terrible sleep pattern you are likely to experience back pain.
- Cancer in the spine.
- Infections in the spine.
- Cauda equine syndrome.
Risk Factors Leading to Chronic Back Pain
There are certain situations that put you at risk of chronic pain in the back. By the way, this pain is common in women more than men. The risk factors include:
- Pregnancy
- Old age
- Smoking
- Genetic factors
- Strenuous exercises
- Occupational activities
- Obesity
- Medical conditions, as discussed earlier.
- Terrible physical fitness
- Sedentary lifestyle
Symptoms of Chronic Back Pain
You probably know that the number one symptom of back pain is aching anywhere in the back. In some cases it may be in the upper back while the most common are found in the lower back, sometimes extending to the buttocks and legs. With a little rest or corrective activity, the pain should go away. However, when you experience the pain with any of these, endeavor to see your physician:
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Swelling in the back
- Pain in the legs
- Pain around the knees
- Urinary incontinence
- Injuries or blows to the back
- When the pain does not go away after resting
- Numbness around the anus or buttocks
- Fecal incontinence
Treatment of Chronic Back Pain
In most cases, the pain is treated with simple home remedies and some rest. When it begins to go out of hand, then medical attention is required.
a. Home remedies. Resting, ice packs, hot compress, over-the-counter painkillers, are the first point of call.
b. Medical treatment. If the home remedies don’t fix the pain then you can visit your doctor. Your doctor will advise on which process will work best. Some of the processes employed include:
- Medication such as antidepressants, narcotics, or codeine could be administered.
- Physical therapy.
- Cortisone injections.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy.
c. Complementary therapies. You can apply this along with medical procedures or alone. They include:
- Shiatsu
- Chiropractor treatment
- Acupuncture
One measure is peculiar to chronic back pain, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). This involves the TENS machine passing minute electric pulses to the back through electrodes. It is believed that the process stimulates the production endorphins to help block pain signals from reaching the brain. To use this, a doctor must have prescribed it and none of the following people can use it:
- A pregnant woman
- An epileptic patient
- A heart disease patient
- A person who has a pacemaker.
ICD 10 Code For Chronic Back Pain- Wrap Up
This post must have taught you a lot about the ICD 10 code for chronic back pain. You should have gained some knowledge about the causes, symptoms, risks factors, and treatment associated with chronic back pain. With the knowledge gained you can stay away from chronic back pain for the rest of your life.
