M542 - Neck pain

International Classification of Diseases

Last updated: 3/24/2026

What is a ICD-10 Code?

ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) codes are used to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures recorded in association with hospital care. These codes provide a standardized way to track health conditions and their treatment outcomes.

Detailed Description

Cervicalgia is the medical term for neck pain. This code is used when a patient experiences pain in the cervical spine area (the neck region). The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may be caused by various factors such as muscle strain, poor posture, injury, or other underlying conditions affecting the neck area.

Additional Information

This is a general diagnostic code for neck pain. The underlying cause and severity can vary significantly between patients. Treatment approaches are typically individualized based on the specific cause and patient symptoms.

Category

Musculoskeletal disorders

Medical Specialty

Orthopedics, Primary Care, Physical Medicine

Expected Costs

Your actual cost will depend on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.

What to Expect After

  • Physical therapy may be recommended
  • Pain management strategies
  • Ergonomic assessment
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor progress

Why Understanding This Code Matters

On Your Medical Bill

This code appears on your medical bills to identify the specific service, procedure, drug, or medical diagnosis you received. Understanding what it means helps you verify you're being charged correctly and know what to expect.

For Your Health

Knowing what this code represents helps you understand your treatment plan, ask better questions during appointments, and track your healthcare journey more effectively.

Want This Level of Detail on All Your Claims?

Get detailed explanations for every medical code on your Medicare bills. Currently supporting Medicare only.