Spine Condition Library
102+ conditions explained with clinical depth — covering symptoms, classification, treatment algorithms, evidence, and prognosis.
Used by patients, providers, facilities, vendors, and manufacturers.
Cervical — Neck
Upper spine · C1 through C7
Atlantoaxial Instability
M43.5Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) refers to abnormal, excessive movement at the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae (C1 atlas and C2 axis).
Neck pain and stiffness, especially with…Occipital headaches radiating to the bac…Myelopathic signs: hand weakness, spasti…Learn more →Cervical Disc Herniation
M50.10Cervical disc herniation occurs when the nucleus pulposus — the soft inner material of a cervical intervertebral disc — herniates through the outer annular ring and compresses one or more cervical nerve roots.
Neck pain with radiation into the should…Numbness or tingling in the fingers, fol…Hand or arm weakness — difficulty grippi…1 procedureLearn more →Cervical Dystonia
G24.3Cervical dystonia, also called spasmodic torticollis, is a painful neurological movement disorder in which the neck muscles contract involuntarily, forcing the head into abnormal postures.
Involuntary turning or tilting of the he…Sustained abnormal head postureNeck pain and muscle stiffnessLearn more →Cervical Myelopathy
G99.2Cervical myelopathy is a condition in which the spinal cord is compressed in the neck (cervical spine), disrupting nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
Clumsy or weak hands — difficulty with f…Unsteady gait or balance problemsLeg heaviness, stiffness, or weaknessLearn more →Cervical Radiculopathy
M54.12A pinched nerve in the neck — medically known as cervical radiculopathy — occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes compressed or irritated.
Sharp or burning pain in the neck that r…Numbness or tingling in the fingers or h…Weakness in the arm, forearm, or grip — …2 proceduresLearn more →Cervical Rib Syndrome
Q76.5A cervical rib is a supernumerary (extra) rib arising from the seventh cervical vertebra rather than the thoracic spine.
Pain and paresthesias in the ulnar forea…Hand and intrinsic muscle weakness (lowe…Arm pain worsened by overhead activity o…Learn more →Cervical Spinal Stenosis
M48.02Cervical spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck (cervical spine).
Neck pain and stiffnessPain, numbness, or tingling radiating in…Hand weakness or clumsiness (difficulty …3 proceduresLearn more →Cervical Spinal Stenosis
M48.02Cervical spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck (cervical spine) that can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Neck pain that may radiate into the shou…Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the h…Clumsy or weak hand grip — difficulty bu…2 proceduresLearn more →Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
M47.12Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults over 50.
Hand clumsiness and loss of fine motor c…Broad-based unsteady gait (myelopathic g…Bilateral arm numbness or tinglingLearn more →Cervicogenic Headache
G44.309Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a form of secondary headache caused by pathology in the cervical spine — most commonly from the upper cervical joints (C2–C3) or muscles.
Unilateral head pain starting in the bac…Pain that spreads forward to the forehea…Neck stiffness and reduced range of moti…Learn more →Klippel-Feil Syndrome
Q76.1Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a congenital musculoskeletal disorder defined by the fusion of two or more cervical vertebrae.
Short neck and low posterior hairline (c…Severely limited cervical range of motio…Neck pain and headachesLearn more →Myelopathy
G99.2Myelopathy — also called spinal cord compression — occurs when the spinal cord itself is squeezed by a narrowed spinal canal, a herniated disc, bone spurs, or other structural changes.
Difficulty with fine motor tasks such as…Weakness or heaviness in the arms or leg…Balance and coordination problems — a se…3 proceduresLearn more →Neck Pain
M54.50Neck pain — pain felt anywhere from the base of the skull to the top of the shoulders — is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions.
Aching or stiffness in the neck, especia…Sharp pain when turning or tilting the h…Headaches originating at the base of the…Learn more →Os Odontoideum
Q76.49Os odontoideum is a condition in which the odontoid process (dens) of the second cervical vertebra (C2) exists as a separate rounded ossicle rather than being fused to the C2 body.
Neck pain and stiffness, particularly wi…Occipital or suboccipital headachesMyelopathic symptoms: hand clumsiness, g…Learn more →Whiplash
S13.4Whiplash — medically termed cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD) injury — occurs when the head is thrown backward and then forward rapidly, straining cervical spine structures beyond their normal range.
Neck pain and stiffness, typically onset…Headache, usually at the base of the sku…Shoulder and upper back painLearn more →
Thoracic — Mid-Back
Mid spine · T1 through T12
Costotransverse Joint Dysfunction
M99.04Costotransverse joint dysfunction refers to pain and mechanical dysfunction at the joints connecting the posterior rib heads to the transverse processes of the thoracic vertebrae.
Sharp, localized thoracic pain lateral t…Pain worsened by deep breathing, coughin…Chest wall pain radiating anteriorly in …Learn more →Intercostal Neuralgia
G58.0Intercostal neuralgia is pain in the distribution of one or more intercostal nerves — the nerves that run along the inferior border of each rib from the thoracic spine to the anterior chest and abdominal wall.
Sharp, burning, or electric pain followi…Allodynia — light touch or clothing cont…Pain worsened by deep breathing, coughin…Learn more →Kyphosis
M40.04Kyphosis refers to an exaggerated forward rounding of the spine, most commonly in the thoracic (mid-back) region.
Visible rounding or "hunchback" appearan…Mild to moderate upper and mid-back pain…Stiffness in the thoracic spine2 proceduresLearn more →Scheuermann's Disease (Juvenile Kyphosis)
M42.00Scheuermann's disease is the most common structural cause of hyperkyphosis (excessive rounding of the upper back) in adolescents and young adults.
Visible rounding of the upper back (thor…Back pain — particularly in the thoracol…Tight hamstrings and hip flexors1 procedureLearn more →Scoliosis
M41.9Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves sideways, often with a rotation component, forming an S- or C-shape when viewed from behind.
Visible asymmetry: one shoulder, shoulde…Prominent rib hump on one side when bend…Uneven waistline or clothing fitting asy…1 procedureLearn more →T4 Syndrome
M54.6T4 syndrome is a clinical entity characterized by diffuse glove-like paresthesias in the hand(s) associated with upper thoracic pain and stiffness, arising from dysfunction at or around the fourth thoracic vertebral segment.
Diffuse, non-dermatomal glove-like hand …Upper thoracic and interscapular pain an…Heaviness or vague aching in the armsLearn more →Thoracic Disc Herniation
M51.14Thoracic disc herniation (TDH) occurs when the inner material of an intervertebral disc in the thoracic (middle) spine pushes through its outer layer, potentially compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Mid-back pain — often described as band-…Chest or rib pain that mimics cardiac or…Leg weakness, numbness, or spasticity if…Learn more →Thoracic Facet Syndrome
M47.814Thoracic facet syndrome refers to pain originating from the zygapophyseal (facet) joints of the thoracic spine (T1–T12).
Deep, aching mid-back pain alongside the…Pain worsened by spinal extension, rotat…Referred pain anteriorly around the ches…Learn more →Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
G54.0Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of conditions caused by compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian artery, or subclavian vein as these structures pass through the narrow space between the clavicle and first rib — the thoracic outlet.
Shoulder, neck, and arm pain worsened by…Paresthesias and numbness in the arm, fo…Hand weakness and grip fatigueLearn more →Thoracic Spine Pain
M54.6Thoracic spine pain refers to pain originating from the twelve thoracic vertebrae and their associated discs, facet joints, muscles, and ligaments — the segment of the spine between the neck and lower back.
Aching or sharp pain between the shoulde…Pain worsening with prolonged sitting, d…Pain that wraps around the ribs (when co…2 proceduresLearn more →
Lumbar — Lower Back
Lower spine · L1 through L5
Baastrup's Disease
M48.20Baastrup's disease, also called "kissing spine" syndrome, is a condition in which adjacent lumbar spinous processes make contact during lumbar extension, leading to friction, bursitis, and pain at the interspinous space.
Midline low back pain at the interspinou…Pain worsened by lumbar extension (stand…Point tenderness directly over the affec…Learn more →Bertolotti Syndrome
M53.3Bertolotti syndrome is the clinical condition of low back pain arising specifically from the anomalous articulation formed between an enlarged transverse process of a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) and the sacrum or iliac crest.
Unilateral low back pain at the lumbosac…Buttock pain on the side of the larger t…Pain worsened by ipsilateral lateral ben…Learn more →Cauda Equina Syndrome
G83.4Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but surgical emergency caused by compression of the cauda equina — the bundle of nerve roots below the end of the spinal cord at L1.
Bilateral leg weakness or paralysis (bot…Saddle anesthesia — numbness in the inne…Loss of bladder control: urinary retenti…1 procedureLearn more →Chronic Back Pain
M54.5Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting approximately 80% of people at some point in their lives.
Persistent aching, stiffness, or burning…Pain that radiates into the buttock or l…Morning stiffness that improves with mov…2 proceduresLearn more →Degenerative Disc Disease
M51.3Despite its name, degenerative disc disease is not a disease in the traditional sense — it is a natural process where intervertebral discs break down with age, losing height and hydration.
Chronic, dull aching in the lower back o…Pain that worsens with sitting, bending,…Pain that improves with walking or lying…2 proceduresLearn more →Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
M43.16Degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is forward displacement of one vertebra over the one below resulting from age-related degeneration of the intervertebral disc and facet joints — without a pars interarticularis fracture.
Neurogenic claudication: bilateral leg p…Low back pain and stiffnessLeg numbness and tingling, often in both…Learn more →Disc Bulge
M51.16A disc bulge (disc protrusion) occurs when the outer wall of an intervertebral disc weakens and extends beyond the normal disc margin — but unlike a herniation, the nucleus pulposus (inner gel) has not broken through the annulus fibrosus.
No symptoms in most cases — disc bulge i…Localized back or neck pain at the disc …Radicular pain radiating into the arm (c…Learn more →Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
M96.1Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) — also called post-laminectomy syndrome — refers to chronic back or leg pain that persists or recurs after one or more spinal surgeries.
Chronic lower back pain at or near the s…Persistent leg pain, numbness, or weakne…New pain at a spinal level adjacent to t…Learn more →Far Lateral Disc Herniation
M51.16A far lateral disc herniation, also called an extraforaminal or foraminal disc herniation, is a herniation that occurs at or outside the lateral boundary of the intervertebral foramen rather than in the central or paracentral canal.
Severe, acute unilateral radicular leg p…Pain often worse than with standard cent…Sensory loss and weakness corresponding …Learn more →Foraminal Stenosis
M48.09Neural foraminal stenosis occurs when the foramina — the small openings on either side of each vertebra through which spinal nerve roots exit the spinal canal — become narrowed.
Unilateral arm or leg pain radiating in …Numbness or tingling in specific fingers…Muscle weakness in a single limb — grip …2 proceduresLearn more →Herniated Disc
M51.1A herniated disc — also called a slipped or ruptured disc — occurs when the soft inner gel of an intervertebral disc pushes through a crack in its tougher outer layer.
Sharp, burning pain in the lower back, b…Arm or shoulder pain that worsens with c…Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, a…4 proceduresLearn more →Isthmic Spondylolisthesis
M43.10Isthmic spondylolisthesis is forward slippage of one vertebra over the one below, caused by a defect (fracture or elongation) of the pars interarticularis — the narrow bridge of bone connecting the superior and inferior articular processes.
Low back pain, often worsened by extensi…Hamstring tightness and spasmLeg pain, numbness, or weakness from L5 …Learn more →Lateral Recess Stenosis
M48.06Lateral recess stenosis is a specific subtype of spinal stenosis in which the lateral recess — the tunnel-shaped corridor through which the nerve root travels before exiting the intervertebral foramen — becomes narrowed.
Unilateral leg pain in a dermatomal dist…Leg pain worsened by standing and walkin…Numbness and tingling in the affected le…Learn more →Lumbar Facet Syndrome
M47.816Lumbar facet syndrome refers to pain originating from the small synovial joints (facet joints or zygapophyseal joints) that connect adjacent vertebrae in the lower back.
Dull, aching pain localized to the lower…Stiffness after prolonged sitting or upo…Pain that worsens with standing, walking…2 proceduresLearn more →Lumbar Radiculopathy
M54.16Lumbar radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the lower spine becomes compressed or irritated, sending pain, numbness, or tingling down the leg — a pattern commonly called sciatica.
Sharp, shooting pain that travels from t…Numbness or tingling in the leg, calf, f…Muscle weakness in the leg or foot — dif…2 proceduresLearn more →Lumbar Segmental Instability
M53.2Lumbar segmental instability occurs when one or more vertebral segments of the lumbar spine move beyond their normal physiological range under routine loads.
Unpredictable, sharp low back pain trigg…"Catching" or "giving way" sensation in …Muscle guarding and spasm as the paraspi…1 procedureLearn more →Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
M48.06Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with wa…Symptoms that improve when sitting, lean…Numbness or tingling in one or both legs2 proceduresLearn more →Lumbar Spondylolysis
M43.06Lumbar spondylolysis is a stress fracture or structural defect of the pars interarticularis — the narrow isthmus of bone in the posterior neural arch connecting the superior and inferior articular processes.
Low back pain localized to the L4–L5 or …Pain provoked by single-leg lumbar hyper…Hamstring tightness and spasmLearn more →Lumbar Synovial Cyst
M51.9A lumbar synovial cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops from the synovial lining of a degenerated facet joint in the lumbar spine.
Low back pain localized to the affected …Leg pain, numbness, or weakness (radicul…Neurogenic claudication if the cyst narr…1 procedureLearn more →Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra
Q76.49A lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) is a congenital spinal variant in which the lowest lumbar vertebra takes on sacral characteristics (sacralization of L5) or the uppermost sacral segment retains lumbar characteristics (lumbarization of S1), creating a fourth or sixth lumbar-type vertebra.
Low back pain, often unilateral, arising…Pain worsened by prolonged standing and …Accelerated disc degeneration at the lev…Learn more →Modic Changes
M51.86Modic changes are characteristic MRI signal abnormalities in the vertebral body endplates adjacent to a degenerated intervertebral disc, first described and classified by Michael Modic in 1988.
Chronic, deep, aching low back pain (dis…Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 m…Pain worsened by prolonged sitting, stan…Learn more →Multilevel Degenerative Disc Disease
M51.16Multilevel degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition in which two or more intervertebral discs undergo degeneration simultaneously, causing disc height loss, internal disc disruption, and often associated facet joint changes at each affected level.
Chronic axial back or neck pain that is …Stiffness that is worse in the morning o…Multiple-level radiculopathy — pain, num…2 proceduresLearn more →Retrolisthesis
M43.12Retrolisthesis is a backward (posterior) displacement of one vertebral body relative to the vertebra directly below it.
Low back or neck pain localized to the a…Muscle stiffness and reduced spinal flex…Radiculopathy — arm or leg pain, numbnes…1 procedureLearn more →Sciatica
M54.3Sciatica is a symptom rather than a diagnosis — it refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the hip and down one leg.
Sharp, shooting, or burning pain from th…Pain that worsens with sitting, prolonge…Numbness, tingling, or pins-and-needles …2 proceduresLearn more →Spondylolisthesis
M43.1Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slides forward (or less commonly backward) over the one below it.
Lower back pain, often worse with prolon…Buttock pain radiating into the legs (ne…Numbness or tingling in one or both legs2 proceduresLearn more →Vertebral Compression Fracture
M80.08XAA vertebral compression fracture (VCF) occurs when a vertebral body — one of the bony building blocks of the spine — collapses or cracks.
Sudden, severe back pain — often describ…Pain that worsens with standing, walking…Pain that improves when lying down and r…2 proceduresLearn more →
Sacroiliac & Pelvis
SI joint and surrounding pelvic structures
Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain)
M53.3Coccydynia refers to persistent pain localized to the coccyx (tailbone), the small triangular bone at the very bottom of the spine.
Aching or sharp pain directly over the t…Pain that worsens significantly when sit…Pain that increases when transitioning f…Learn more →Levator Ani Syndrome
K62.89Levator ani syndrome is a functional anorectal pain disorder characterized by chronic or recurrent aching, pressure, or heaviness in the rectum and pelvic floor, arising from spasm or hypertonicity of the levator ani muscle complex — the primary pelvic floor support musculature.
Chronic dull aching, pressure, or heavin…Sensation of a "ball" or foreign body in…Pain worse with prolonged sitting and pa…Learn more →Piriformis Syndrome
G57.00Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle — a small muscle deep in the buttock that runs from the sacrum to the hip — becomes tight, inflamed, or spasms and compresses the sciatic nerve beneath or through it.
Deep, aching pain in the buttock, often …Pain that radiates down the back of the …Numbness or tingling in the legLearn more →Pudendal Neuralgia
G57.70Pudendal neuralgia is chronic pain in the distribution of the pudendal nerve — the main sensory and motor nerve of the perineum, including the genitals, urethra, anus, and perineal skin.
Burning, shooting, or crushing pain in t…Pain significantly worse with sitting, b…Allodynia — clothing or touch in the per…Learn more →Sacral Fracture
S32.10Sacral fractures are breaks in the triangular bone at the base of the spine that connects the two iliac bones of the pelvis.
Severe low back, sacral, and buttock pai…Inability to bear weightLeg weakness, perineal numbness, or bowe…Learn more →Sacral Insufficiency Fracture
M84.38A sacral insufficiency fracture occurs when normal physiological loads break weakened sacral bone — most commonly in elderly women with osteoporosis, patients who have received pelvic radiation therapy, or those on long-term corticosteroid therapy.
Bilateral deep sacral, buttock, and post…Pain significantly worsened by standing,…Severe functional limitation and inabili…Learn more →Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
M53.3Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction — commonly called SI joint pain — occurs when the joint connecting the base of the spine (sacrum) to the pelvis (ilium) becomes inflamed, stiff, or overly mobile.
Dull or sharp pain in the lower back, us…Buttock pain that may radiate into the h…Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting…1 procedureLearn more →Sacroiliitis
M46.1Sacroiliitis is inflammation of one or both sacroiliac (SI) joints — the joints connecting the sacrum (base of the spine) to the iliac bones of the pelvis.
Dull, aching pain in the lower back, but…Pain that may radiate into the groin, th…Morning stiffness lasting more than 30–6…1 procedureLearn more →
Deformity
Structural spine abnormalities
Adult Degenerative Scoliosis
M41.5Adult degenerative scoliosis (de novo scoliosis) is an abnormal lateral spinal curvature that develops in adulthood — typically after age 50 — as a direct result of asymmetric degeneration of intervertebral discs and facet joints.
Visible trunk shift or asymmetry noticed…Low back pain that is mechanical and wor…Neurogenic claudication (bilateral leg p…Learn more →Congenital Scoliosis
Q67.5Congenital scoliosis results from abnormal vertebral development during the first six weeks of embryonic life.
Visible trunk asymmetry or rib prominenc…One shoulder or hip higher than the othe…Truncal shortening and reduced height po…Learn more →Neuromuscular Scoliosis
M41.40Neuromuscular scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that develops secondary to an underlying neurological or muscular disorder.
Progressive lateral spinal curvature vis…Pelvic obliquity causing difficulty sitt…Trunk imbalance and loss of independent …Learn more →Post-Laminectomy Kyphosis
M96.3Post-laminectomy kyphosis is a spinal deformity that develops after removal of the posterior spinal elements — the laminae, spinous processes, and associated ligaments — during laminectomy surgery.
Progressive forward head or neck posture…Axial pain and muscular fatigue from com…New or worsening myelopathy: hand clumsi…Learn more →Sagittal Imbalance
M40.50Sagittal imbalance, also called positive sagittal malalignment, refers to a condition in which the spine loses its normal front-to-back curvature profile, causing the trunk to lean forward.
Forward trunk lean requiring effort to s…Compensatory knee flexion and hip hypere…Severe axial back pain worsening through…Learn more →
Spine-Wide & Systemic
Conditions affecting multiple spinal regions
Adjacent Segment Disease
M47.816Adjacent segment disease (ASD) occurs when the disc, facet joints, or other structures at the spinal levels immediately above or below a prior fusion undergo accelerated degeneration.
New or recurrent back or neck pain emerg…Radiculopathy (arm or leg pain/numbness/…Cervical myelopathy symptoms (clumsiness…2 proceduresLearn more →Ankylosing Spondylitis
M45.9Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) — also known as axial spondyloarthritis — is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily targets the spine and the sacroiliac joints where the spine meets the pelvis.
Chronic low back and buttock pain that i…Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 m…Back pain that wakes you from sleep in t…Learn more →Anterior Cord Syndrome
G83.82Anterior cord syndrome (ACS) is an incomplete spinal cord injury pattern caused by damage to the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord — the territory supplied by the anterior spinal artery.
Bilateral motor paralysis below the leve…Loss of pain and temperature sensation b…Preservation of touch, vibration, and pr…Learn more →Arachnoiditis
G03.9Arachnoiditis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the arachnoid mater — the middle layer of the three membranes (meninges) surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Burning, stinging, or stabbing pain in t…Leg weakness and sensory changes — numbn…Muscle cramps and spasms, particularly i…Learn more →Bone Spurs on the Spine
M25.78Bone spurs (osteophytes) on the spine are bony growths that form along the edges of vertebrae as a response to cartilage breakdown and joint instability — a hallmark of spinal arthritis and degenerative disc disease.
Most bone spurs cause no symptoms — disc…Neck or back stiffness, particularly in …Localized pain over the spine that worse…2 proceduresLearn more →Brown-Séquard Syndrome
G83.81Brown-Séquard syndrome is an incomplete spinal cord injury pattern resulting from damage to one lateral half (hemisection) of the spinal cord.
Ipsilateral spastic motor paralysis belo…Ipsilateral loss of proprioception and v…Contralateral loss of pain and temperatu…Learn more →Central Cord Syndrome
G14Central cord syndrome (CCS) is the most common incomplete spinal cord injury, accounting for approximately 50% of all incomplete injuries.
Arm weakness greater than leg weakness (…Hand and finger weakness and clumsiness …Burning dysesthetic pain in the arms and…Learn more →Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)
M48.10Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), also called Forestier disease, is a systemic condition characterized by flowing calcification and ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament and entheses (tendon and ligament insertion sites) throughout the spine.
Back and neck stiffness that is worse in…Reduced range of motion, particularly in…Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) from l…Learn more →DISH Spine (Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis)
M48.10Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) — also called Forestier disease — is a condition characterized by abnormal bone formation and calcification along the ligaments and tendons of the spine, particularly the anterior longitudinal ligament.
Progressive stiffness of the thoracic an…Reduced spinal range of motion — difficu…Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) if lar…Learn more →Fibromyalgia (Spinal Manifestations)
M79.7Fibromyalgia is a chronic widespread pain syndrome characterized by central sensitization — abnormal amplification of pain signals in the central nervous system — rather than peripheral tissue damage or structural spine disease.
Widespread pain in the cervical, thoraci…Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 m…Allodynia — pain from non-painful stimul…Learn more →Flat Back Syndrome
M40.30Flat back syndrome occurs when the lumbar spine loses its normal lordotic (inward) curve, leaving the spine abnormally straight or even kyphotic (curved outward).
Progressive forward-leaning posture — di…Chronic low back pain and fatigue with p…Hip and knee pain from constant flexion …1 procedureLearn more →Foot Drop (Neurogenic)
M21.37Foot drop (also called drop foot) is the inability to lift the front part of the foot, causing it to drag or slap the ground when walking.
Inability or difficulty lifting the foot…Foot slap or drag when walking — catchin…High-stepping gait (steppage gait) to co…2 proceduresLearn more →Lumbar Hyperlordosis (Swayback)
M40.5The lumbar spine naturally curves inward (lordosis) to balance the pelvis and support upright posture.
Visible exaggerated inward curve of the …Lower back pain and stiffness, especiall…Tight hip flexor musclesLearn more →Osteoporosis of the Spine
M81.0Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones lose density and strength, becoming brittle and susceptible to fracture.
Sudden, severe back pain that is new and…Gradual height loss of an inch or more o…Increasing rounded posture or forward-be…Learn more →Pinched Nerve in the Spine
M54.16A "pinched nerve" in the spine — medically termed radiculopathy — occurs when a spinal nerve root is compressed or irritated at its exit point from the spinal canal.
Sharp, burning, or electric pain radiati…Numbness and tingling in a dermatomal pa…Muscle weakness in the affected limb — d…2 proceduresLearn more →Spinal Arachnoid Cyst
G96.19A spinal arachnoid cyst is a benign, cerebrospinal fluid-filled sac that develops within or adjacent to the arachnoid mater — the middle of the three protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the spinal cord.
Progressive back or neck pain at the lev…Myelopathy — weakness, stiffness, or gai…Radicular pain or numbness radiating int…Learn more →Spinal Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
Q28.2A spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels — arteries connected directly to veins without the normal intervening capillary bed — located on or within the spinal cord or its surrounding structures.
Slowly progressive weakness and sensory …Sudden onset of back or neck pain with a…Neurogenic claudication worsened by exer…Learn more →Spinal Arthritis
M47.9Spinal arthritis refers to the degeneration of the facet joints — the small synovial joints that link adjacent vertebrae — and encompasses the same pathological process as osteoarthritis in the hip or knee, applied to the posterior spine.
Morning stiffness and aching in the neck…Pain worse with prolonged standing, walk…Cracking, grinding, or popping sensation…2 proceduresLearn more →Spinal Cord Injury
S14.109AA spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when trauma or disease damages the spinal cord, disrupting the nerve signals that control movement, sensation, and bodily functions below the injury level.
Loss of movement (paralysis) in the arms…Loss of or altered sensation, including …Loss of bowel or bladder controlLearn more →Spinal Epidural Abscess
G06.1A spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a collection of pus in the epidural space — the fat-filled area between the dura mater and the bony spinal canal.
Severe, localized back or neck pain — of…High fever and systemic signs of infecti…Spinal tenderness to percussion over the…Learn more →Spinal Osteomyelitis (Vertebral Infection)
M46.20Spinal osteomyelitis — also called vertebral osteomyelitis or spondylodiscitis — is an infection of the vertebral body, disc space, or surrounding structures.
Severe, progressive back or neck pain — …Fever, chills, and night sweatsFocal spine tenderness to percussion ove…Learn more →Spinal Tumor
C79.51Spinal tumors are abnormal growths that develop within or adjacent to the spine.
Progressive back or neck pain not reliev…Pain unrelated to activity or position c…Neurological symptoms: weakness, numbnes…Learn more →Spondylosis
M47.9Spondylosis is a broad term for the degenerative changes that occur throughout the spine with aging — including disc height loss, osteophyte (bone spur) formation, facet joint arthrosis, and ligamentous thickening.
Stiffness and aching in the neck or lowe…Reduced range of motion — difficulty tur…Intermittent pain with prolonged standin…1 procedureLearn more →Syringomyelia
G95.0Syringomyelia is the formation of a fluid-filled cavity (syrinx) within the central grey matter of the spinal cord.
Cape-like dissociated sensory loss — imp…Painless hand burns or injuries from los…Progressive hand weakness and intrinsic …Learn more →Tarlov Cysts (Perineural Sacral Cysts)
G96.198Tarlov cysts — also called perineural sacral cysts — are fluid-filled sacs that form on the nerve roots within the sacral spinal canal.
Buttock, pelvic, perineal, or genital pa…Leg pain, numbness, or weakness (radicul…Urinary frequency, urgency, or difficult…Learn more →Tethered Cord Syndrome
Q06.8Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a stretch-induced dysfunction of the spinal cord caused by abnormal fixation of the cord to surrounding tissue, restricting its normal upward movement within the spinal canal during growth and flexion.
Low back and leg pain worsened by forwar…Progressive leg weakness or spasticityBladder dysfunction: urgency, frequency,…Learn more →Transverse Myelitis
G37.3Transverse myelitis (TM) is an inflammatory disorder of the spinal cord that disrupts myelin and axonal function across one or more spinal cord levels, producing bilateral motor weakness, sensory deficits, and autonomic dysfunction below the level of inflammation.
Sudden or subacute onset of bilateral le…Sensory level — band of altered or absen…Urinary retention or incontinence as aut…Learn more →Vertebral Hemangioma
D18.09A vertebral hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor composed of abnormal blood vessel clusters within a vertebral body.
Usually no symptoms — most hemangiomas a…Localized back pain at the affected vert…Radiculopathy (arm or leg pain/tingling)…Learn more →
Tumors & Infection
Neoplastic and infectious spine conditions
Chordoma
C41.2Chordoma is a rare, locally aggressive, low-to-intermediate grade malignant tumor arising from remnant cells of the primitive notochord — the embryonic structure that guides spine formation and normally regresses.
Sacrococcygeal or low back pain — dull, …Palpable sacral mass on rectal or pelvic…Bowel dysfunction: constipation, fecal i…Learn more →Spinal Ependymoma
D33.4Spinal ependymomas are the most common primary intramedullary (within the cord substance) spinal cord tumors in adults, accounting for approximately 60% of intramedullary spinal cord tumors.
Back or neck pain — often the first symp…Sensory ataxia and loss of vibration and…Bilateral leg weakness and spasticity pr…Learn more →Spinal Meningioma
D32.1Spinal meningiomas are benign, slow-growing tumors arising from the arachnoidal cells of the spinal meninges.
Slowly progressive leg weakness and spas…Sensory level — band of altered sensatio…Gait ataxia and balance difficultyLearn more →Spinal Metastasis
C79.49Spinal metastasis is the most common malignant tumor affecting the spine, occurring in up to 40% of all cancer patients during the course of their disease.
Progressive back or neck pain that is co…Pathologic vertebral compression fractur…Neurological deficits: leg weakness, sen…Learn more →Spinal Schwannoma
D33.4Spinal schwannomas (neurilemmomas) are benign tumors arising from Schwann cells of the dorsal sensory nerve roots.
Radicular pain — burning, shooting, or a…Dermatomal sensory loss or paresthesia a…Back or neck pain at the level of the le…Learn more →Vertebral Discitis (Spondylodiscitis)
M46.40Vertebral discitis, also called spondylodiscitis or vertebral osteomyelitis, is an infection involving the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebral bodies.
Severe, progressive back or neck pain, o…Fever and chills — present in about 50% …Point tenderness to percussion over the …Learn more →
Congenital & Pediatric
Conditions present from birth or developing in childhood
Juvenile Disc Disorder
M51.36Juvenile disc disorder (JDD) refers to symptomatic intervertebral disc pathology — including disc herniation, annular tears, and disc degeneration — occurring in children and adolescents.
Low back pain that is activity-related a…Sciatica — radicular leg pain radiating …Positive straight leg raise test (90% se…Learn more →Pediatric Scoliosis
M41.00Pediatric scoliosis refers to lateral curvature of the spine (Cobb angle ≥10°) that develops during childhood or adolescence.
Visible asymmetry: one shoulder higher, …Rib hump or paravertebral prominence on …Waist asymmetry or unequal arm-side dist…Learn more →Spina Bifida
Q05.9Spina bifida is a neural tube defect (NTD) resulting from incomplete closure of the neural tube during the third to fourth week of embryonic development.
Paralysis or weakness of the legs at and…Sensory loss below the lesion — risk of …Neurogenic bladder and bowel: urinary re…Learn more →Spina Bifida Occulta
Q76.0Spina bifida occulta (SBO) is the mildest form of spina bifida, characterized by a failure of fusion of the posterior vertebral arch (spinous process and laminae) without herniation of the meninges or spinal cord.
Asymptomatic — the overwhelming majority…Sacral dimple or cutaneous pit over the …Hairy patch (hypertrichosis), hemangioma…Learn more →
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