Radiculopathy, lumbar region

This code represents nerve root compression or irritation in the lumbar spine, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into the leg. It indicates a specific type of neuropathic pain originating from the lower back.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates radicular symptoms localized to the lumbar region, often due to conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spondylosis. Supporting documentation should include a physical exam noting neurological deficits consistent with nerve root involvement in the lumbar area.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "radiculopathy" and explicitly links it to the lumbar region, not just general low back pain.
• Do not use this code for non-radicular low back pain; instead, use codes from the M54.5 series.
• Consider sequencing this code after the underlying cause of the radiculopathy (e.g., M51.16 for lumbar disc disorders with radiculopathy) if known and documented.