M54.5
Non-billableLow back pain
M54.5 is the ICD-10-CM code for Low back pain. It is a non-billable category code — use a more specific child code such as M54.50 for billing.
M00-M99 Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
What this means — in plain language
MedlinePlus · NIHIf you've ever groaned, "Oh, my aching back!", you are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain is called chronic if it lasts for more than three months. Most back…
Read more about Back Pain at MedlinePlus ↗Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Informational only — not medical advice.
Excludes1 — not coded here
Medications indicated for this condition
FDA labeling- Diclofenac Sodium and Menthol, Methyl Salicylate›
- Lidocaine and MentholAmide Local Anesthetic [EPC]›
- Aconitum Napellus, Aesculus Hippocastanum, Colocynthis, Gnaphalium Polycephalum, Hypericum Perforatum, Magnesia Phosphorica, Plumbum Metallicum, Rhus Tox, Arnica Montana›
- Lidocaine 4.5%, Diclofenac 1%Amide Local Anesthetic [EPC]›
- Lidocaine and CapsaicinAmide Local Anesthetic [EPC]›
- Lidothol Es PatchAmide Local Anesthetic [EPC]›
- Lidothol Gel›
- Lidothol PatchAmide Local Anesthetic [EPC]›
- Menthol 5%, Lidocaine 4%Amide Local Anesthetic [EPC]›
- Trolamine Salicylate›
- Trubrexa Patch ErAmide Local Anesthetic [EPC]›
Drugs whose FDA labeling lists this condition's category among its indications. Informational only — not a treatment recommendation or medical advice.
Conditions mapped to this code
MedlinePlus · NIHPlain-language health-topic references grounded in MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM).
Frequently asked questions
- What is ICD-10 code M54.5?
- M54.5 is the ICD-10-CM code for "Low back pain". It falls under M00-M99 Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue.
- Is M54.5 a billable code?
- No — M54.5 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code (such as M54.50) for billing.
- What are the subcodes of M54.5?
- M54.5 has 3 more specific child codes, including M54.50, M54.51, M54.59.
- What is excluded from M54.5?
- Excludes1 (not coded here): intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region with discogenic back pain only (M51.360); intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbosacral region with discogenic back pain only (M51.370); low back strain (S39.012); lumbago due to intervertebral disc displacement (M51.2-).
Source: CMS ICD-10-CM FY2026. For informational purposes only — not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.
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