Cervicalgia is the term which is used for neck pain that
does not radiate outward. However, It is different from normal neck pain and
radiculopathy. This pain is caused generally by other than nerve compression in
the neck. The muscles in the neck are under continual pressure to maintain
posture and hold up the considerable weight of the skull and brain which
averages around 10lbs.
As we move our head forward, with every inch, force on the
neck becomes double. The consistent strain on the cervical spinal muscles can take
its toll over time, leading to fatigue in the muscles, spasms, cramps,
stiffness, and cervicalgia. The muscles of the neck may become tight and
inflexible, which can lead to tearing upon sharp movement and acute neck pain.
Cervicalgia can occur due to inflammatory joint disorder such as rheumatoid
arthritis, persistent stress and tension causing muscles in the neck to become
tight, and acute injuries from sports, or whiplash.
Another possible cause of Cervicalgia is fibromyalgia. In
many patients, those with tender points between the shoulders and in the neck
causing constant pain. A large number of such patients have it temporarily as it is often caused by simply sleeping
at an awkward angle, slouching over a desk, or standing or sitting in same
position for longer. In some cases there may be a physical abnormality causing
the neck pain, such as ligaments calcification, cervical arthritis, spinal
curvature, or torticollis (wry neck) which causes the head to tilt to one side
due to shortened muscles in the neck.
Cervicalgia ICD 9 Code
Below you can find the symptoms, treatment as well as the
ICD 9 code for Cervicalgia. There may a number of different causes, why a patient suffer from it, as
discussed above. But if you are suffering from it than you must know its
symptoms and available treatment.
Symptoms of Cervicalgia
Following are some symptoms that indicates that patient is
suffering from Cervicalgia. These may include:
- both sharp neck pain and chronic pain in the neck.
- pain is always accompanied by aching, tenderness, tension, pain upon rotating the head, stiffness of the neck, and even headaches.
In some cases the neck pain associated with cervicalgia may
be short-lived and improve with rest, however in some others, cervicalgia may remain constant, or even
progress leading to degeneration of the cervical spine and the development of
other symptoms such as radiculopathy or myelopathy.
Treatment of Cervicalgia
Treatment for cervicalgia are usually conservative. It include different methods of relieving
inflammation where it is evident. Such as:
- Applying ice to the area is a good way of relieving pain and swelling and is often advised where a muscle tear is suspected. Heat is contraindicated in such a situation as this is likely to make the problem worse by increasing blood flow to the area.
- If the cervicalgia is due to muscle tension rather than an injury then thermotherapy can be effective in aiding relaxation of the muscle and relieving neck pain.
- Adequate rest and the temporary use of a supportive neck collar is also helpful in some cases of cervicalgia. Don’t use a collar for longer as this may itself lead to muscle weakness in the neck.
- Anti-inflammatory medications, including prescribed drugs, over-the-counter remedies, and natural supplements to lower inflammation and pain are also used as cervicalgia treatment.
- Physical therapy, including neck stretches and strengthening exercises, is a good idea for anyone who suffers from chronic neck pain.
ICD 9 Code for Cervicalgia
ICD-9-CM 723.1 is a billable medical code that is used for Cervicalgia. However, 723.1 should only
be used for claims with a date of service on or before September 30, 2015. For
claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015, use an equivalent
ICD-10-CM code (or codes).
ICD-10-CM Code
On converting ICD 9
to ICD-10-CM, 723.1 changes directly to
ICD-10-CM M54.2
Approximate Synonyms
It is a disorder characterized by marked discomfort
sensation in the neck area. Following is a list of approximate synonyms which
may also used this code. These include:
Acute neck pain < 3 months
Cervical spine pain
Cervical spine pain greater than 3 months, chronic
Cervical spine pain, less than 3 months, acute
Cervical spine problem, chronic, > 3 months
Chronic disorder of cervical spine greater than three months
Chronic neck pain
Chronic neck pain > 3 months
Chronic neck pain for greater than 3 months
Chronic neck pain greater than 3 months
Neck pain
Neck pain less than 3 months, acute
Neck pain, chronic
Pain in cervical spine for less than 3 months
Pain in cervical spine for more than 3 months
Pain, cervical (neck) spine, acute less than 3 months
Pain, cervical (neck), chronic, more than 3 months
problem cervical (neck), chronic, more than 3 months
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