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  6. 2026 ICD-10-CM Code M53

2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M53

Other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified

ICD-10-CM Code:
M53
ICD-10 Code for:
Other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

M53 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity from the list below for a diagnosis of other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2026 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like M53 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Specific Coding Applicable to Other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified

Non-specific codes like M53 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following billable codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified:

  • Use M53.0 for Cervicocranial syndrome

  • Use M53.1 for Cervicobrachial syndrome

  • M53.2 for Spinal instabilities

  • M53.2X for Spinal instabilities

  • Use M53.3 for Sacrococcygeal disorders, not elsewhere classified

  • M53.8 for Other specified dorsopathies

  • Use M53.80 for Other specified dorsopathies, site unspecified

  • Use M53.81 for Other specified dorsopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region

  • Use M53.82 for Other specified dorsopathies, cervical region

  • Use M53.83 for Other specified dorsopathies, cervicothoracic region

  • Use M53.84 for Other specified dorsopathies, thoracic region

  • Use M53.85 for Other specified dorsopathies, thoracolumbar region

  • Use M53.86 for Other specified dorsopathies, lumbar region

  • Use M53.87 for Other specified dorsopathies, lumbosacral region

  • Use M53.88 for Other specified dorsopathies, sacral and sacrococcygeal region

  • Use M53.9 for Dorsopathy, unspecified

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
    M00–M99
    • Other dorsopathies
      M50-M54
      • Other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified
        M53

Patient Education


Spine Injuries and Disorders

Your backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bone discs called vertebrae. The vertebrae protect your spinal cord and allow you to stand and bend. A number of problems can change the structure of the spine or damage the vertebrae and surrounding tissue. They include:

  • Infections
  • Injuries
  • Tumors
  • Conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis and scoliosis
  • Bone changes that come with age, such as spinal stenosis and herniated disks

Spinal diseases often cause pain when bone changes put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. They can also limit movement. Treatments differ by disease, but sometimes they include back braces and surgery.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2026 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2025 through 9/30/2026
  • FY 2025 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2024 through 9/30/2025
  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.