2025 ICD-10-CM code M50.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Dorsopathies - Other dorsopathies (M50-M54) Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) Feed
Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy. This condition involves a disorder of the intervertebral discs of the neck, causing compression of the spinal cord.
Medical necessity for treatment is based on the severity of symptoms, impact on function, and failure of conservative treatment. The documentation must clearly establish the relationship between the disc disorder and the myelopathy.
Providers diagnose cervical disc disorder with myelopathy based on patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, CT, myelography). Treatment may include rest, a cervical collar, physical therapy, medications (analgesics, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids), and surgery if conservative treatments fail.
In simple words: A problem with the discs in your neck that is pressing on your spinal cord. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in your arms, hands, and sometimes even your legs. It can also affect your ability to walk and control your bladder and bowels.
Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy includes disorders of the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine (neck), resulting in compression of the spinal cord. These disorders can include disc displacement, degeneration, or other abnormalities. Myelopathy refers to any disease or disorder of the spinal cord. Cervical disc disorder with myelopathy can result in restricted movement, nerve compression (leading to burning, tingling, numbness, weakness, and pain radiating into the extremities), weakness in the hands and arms, and can even affect the legs and bowel and bladder function.
Example 1: A 60-year-old male presents with neck pain, numbness and tingling in both arms, and difficulty with fine motor skills. Imaging reveals cervical disc herniation with spinal cord compression., A 70-year-old female experiences progressive gait instability and weakness in the hands. An MRI confirms cervical spinal stenosis and myelopathy due to degenerative disc disease., A 55-year-old patient presents with radiating pain down the arms, weakness in the hands, and loss of balance. Following a physical exam and imaging, a diagnosis of cervical disc disorder with myelopathy is made. The patient's symptoms are affecting their ability to perform daily activities, and surgical intervention is considered.
Documentation should include details of the patient's symptoms (pain, numbness, weakness, gait disturbances), neurological examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plan.
- Specialties:Neurology, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Management
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital,Office, Independent Clinic,Ambulatory Surgical Center,Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility