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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

M53.2Spinal instabilities

Not billable — use a more specific code

M53.2 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 1 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About M53.2

M53.2 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for spinal instabilities. It belongs to category M53 (other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified), block M50-M54 (other dorsopathies) and chapter 13 (diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 1 subcodes must be used instead.

Within M53 (other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified), M53.2 is specifically for spinal instabilities. Related codes cover Cervicocranial syndrome (M53.0), Cervicobrachial syndrome (M53.1), sacrococcygeal disorders, not elsewhere classified (M53.3), other specified dorsopathies (M53.8) and dorsopathy, unspecified (M53.9).

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: M53.2X (instabilities).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under M53.2

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to M53.2.

Broader instructions also apply from M50-M54 Other dorsopathies and Chapter 13: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue.

Codes whose notes reference M53.2

Code history

  1. 2016
  2. 2017
  3. 2018
  4. 2019
  5. 2020
  6. 2021
  7. 2022
  8. 2023
  9. 2024
  10. 2025
  11. 2026
  12. 2027
  • FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
  • No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about M53.2

Is M53.2 billable?

No. M53.2 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.