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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for low back strain

S39.012

Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back

Header — needs a more specific code

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Strain › low back”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding low back strain

The ICD-10-CM code for low back strain is S39.012 (Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back).

Within S39.01 (strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of abdomen, lower back and pelvis), S39.012 is specifically for strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back. Related codes cover abdomen (S39.011) and pelvis (S39.013).

Codes in this range require a 7th character: A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter and S for sequela. Use placeholder "X" characters to fill any empty positions before the 7th character.

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

Common questions about low back strain ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for low back strain?

S39.012 — Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back (a header code; report a more specific subcode).

Is S39.012 billable?

No. S39.012 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.