ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for back postural pain
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Pain (s) › back (postural)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding back postural pain
The ICD-10-CM code for back postural pain is M54.9 (Dorsalgia, unspecified).
Within M54, choose M54.9 (unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: panniculitis affecting regions of neck and back (M54.0), radiculopathy (M54.1), Cervicalgia (M54.2), sciatica (M54.3), Lumbago with sciatica (M54.4), low back pain (M54.5), pain in thoracic spine (M54.6) and other dorsalgia (M54.8).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 551 (Medical Back Problems with MCC, relative weight 1.6358) and DRG 552 (Medical Back Problems without MCC, relative weight 0.9584), in MDC 08 (Diseases and Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
Common questions about back postural pain ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for back postural pain?
- M54.9 — Dorsalgia, unspecified.
Is M54.9 billable?
- Yes. M54.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can M54.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict M54.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is M54.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. M54.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.