M5441 - Lower back pain with nerve pain shooting down the right leg
International Classification of Diseases
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
This code describes a condition where you have both lower back pain (lumbago) and sciatica affecting your right side. Lumbago refers to pain in the lower back area, while sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve - typically starting in your lower back and radiating down through your buttock and into your right leg. This combination often occurs when something in your spine (like a herniated disc, bone spur, or muscle tension) puts pressure on or irritates the sciatic nerve roots. The pain may feel sharp, burning, or tingling, and can range from mild to severe. You might also experience numbness or weakness in your right leg or foot.
Additional Information
This is a diagnostic code used for billing and medical record purposes. Treatment typically starts with conservative approaches like rest, physical therapy, and pain medication. Most cases improve with non-surgical treatment, though severe cases may require more intensive intervention.
Category
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Medical Specialty
Orthopedics, Neurology, Pain Management, or Primary Care
Expected Costs
We expect this to normally be in the range of:
$150 - $500
This is an estimate based on typical billing patterns. Your actual cost may vary depending on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.
What's Required Before This
- Physical examination
- Medical history review
- Possible imaging studies (X-ray, MRI, or CT scan)
What to Expect After
- Physical therapy
- Pain management techniques
- Activity modification
- Follow-up appointments to monitor progress
- Possible referral to specialist if conservative treatment fails
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.
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