M54.2

Cervicalgia

Cervicalgia is a medical term for pain localized in the cervical region of the spine, commonly referred to as neck pain. It is a highly prevalent condition that affects the muscles, nerves, bones, and joints of the neck. Unlike cervical radiculopathy, cervicalgia specifically refers to pain that does not radiate into the upper extremities. It can be classified as acute (lasting less than 6 weeks), subacute (6 to 12 weeks), or chronic (lasting longer than 12 weeks). Clinical management typically focuses on identifying the underlying structural or functional cause, such as muscle strain, ligamentous sprain, or degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae.

Clinical Symptoms

  • Localized pain in the neck area
  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the cervical spine
  • Muscle spasms in the paraspinal muscles
  • Tenderness upon palpation of the neck
  • Occasional tension-type headaches originating from the neck muscles

Common Causes

  • Muscle strain or ligamentous sprain from poor posture or repetitive motion
  • Degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine
  • Osteoarthritis of the facet joints (cervical spondylosis)
  • Acute trauma such as whiplash or sudden jarring movements
  • Psychosocial stress leading to muscular tension

Documentation & Coding Tips

Distinguish from radiculopathy

Example: If the patient experiences pain radiating into the arms or hands with associated numbness or weakness, use M54.12 (Radiculopathy, cervical region) instead of M54.2.

Specify underlying cause if known

Example: If cervicalgia is due to a herniated disc, code the disc disorder (e.g., M50 series) as the primary diagnosis and M54.2 as a secondary symptom code if necessary.

Exclude trauma-specific codes if applicable

Example: If the neck pain is the result of a current injury, such as a sprain, use S13.4- (Sprain of ligaments of cervical spine) rather than M54.2.

Relevant CPT Codes

Related Diagnoses

Hierarchy