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M54.2 Cervical Neuralgia – Causes & Treatment
M54.2 is the ICD-10 code for cervical neuralgia – nerve pain in the neck region. Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
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M54.2 is the ICD-10 code for cervical neuralgia – nerve pain in the neck region. Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
What does the ICD-10 code M54.2 mean?
The ICD-10 code M54.2 refers to cervical neuralgia, a condition characterized by nerve pain originating in the cervical spine (neck region). The term combines the Latin cervix (neck) and the Greek neuralgia (nerve pain). It describes pain caused by irritation or damage to the nerves in the neck, which often radiates to the back of the head, shoulders, or arms.
Causes
Cervical neuralgia can be triggered by a variety of factors:
- Herniated discs in the cervical spine pressing on nerve roots
- Cervical spondylosis (degenerative changes such as bone spurs)
- Muscle tension and poor posture, for example from prolonged desk work
- Injuries such as whiplash following accidents
- Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
- Tumors or cysts compressing cervical nerve pathways (rare)
- Infections affecting nerves or surrounding tissue
Symptoms
Typical symptoms associated with M54.2 include:
- Sharp, burning, or dull pain in the neck and occipital region
- Radiating pain into the back of the head, shoulders, arms, or hands
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands
- Restricted mobility of the cervical spine
- Headaches, particularly at the base of the skull (cervicogenic headaches)
- Occasional dizziness or visual disturbances if the vertebral artery is involved
Diagnosis
Several methods are used to diagnose cervical neuralgia:
- Medical history and physical examination: Assessment of reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation
- X-ray of the cervical spine: Evaluation of bony changes
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Detailed visualization of discs, nerve roots, and soft tissues
- CT (Computed Tomography): Assessment of bony structures
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies: Evaluation of nerve function
- Diagnostic nerve block: To precisely identify the affected nerve root
Treatment
Conservative Treatment
Most cases of cervical neuralgia are initially managed with conservative approaches:
- Physiotherapy: Exercise therapy, heat applications, manual therapy
- Pain medications: NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac), paracetamol
- Muscle relaxants for severe muscle tension
- Nerve-stabilizing medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin for neuropathic pain
- Corticosteroids (oral or injected) to reduce inflammation
- Cervical collar for short-term relief (only recommended temporarily)
Interventional and Surgical Treatment
For persistent or severe symptoms, further treatment options may be considered:
- Nerve blocks or epidural steroid injections
- Radiofrequency ablation for long-term reduction of pain signals
- Surgical procedures such as discectomy or spinal fusion (spondylodesis) for severe nerve compression
When to See a Doctor
Immediate medical attention should be sought in the following situations:
- Sudden onset of very severe neck pain
- Signs of paralysis or rapidly worsening weakness in arms or hands
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain following an accident or fall
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): International Classification of Diseases, ICD-10, Chapter XIII – Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, M54.2 Cervical neuralgia. who.int
- Bogduk N. – The anatomy and pathophysiology of neck pain. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 2011; 22(3): 367–382.
- Carette S., Fehlings M.G. – Cervical radiculopathy. New England Journal of Medicine, 2005; 353(4): 392–399.
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