Radiculopathy, cervicothoracic region

This code represents nerve root compression or irritation originating from the cervical or upper thoracic spine, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into the upper extremities or trunk. It indicates a neurological deficit stemming from a problem in the neck or upper back region.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates radicular symptoms (e.g., dermatomal pain, paresthesia, or myotomal weakness) attributed to nerve root involvement in the cervicothoracic spine. Supporting documentation often includes physical exam findings, imaging reports (MRI, CT) showing nerve compression, or electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCS) confirming radiculopathy.

• Always specify the laterality if documented (e.g., right, left, bilateral) using an additional character.
• Do not confuse with cervicalgia (M54.2) or thoracicgia (M54.6) which are for localized pain without radicular symptoms.
• Code any underlying cause, such as disc displacement (M50.1-), spondylosis (M47.-), or stenosis (M48.0-), as a primary diagnosis when applicable, with this code as a secondary diagnosis.