Written by Dr. Matthias Wiederholz, MD | Last Updated: August 2025
The primary ICD-10 code for thoracic spine pain is M54.6. For cases where pain extends to the thoracolumbar region, code M54.4 is used. Chronic pain conditions may require additional codes to reflect duration and complexity.
Chronic thoracic spine pain may indicate underlying conditions; therefore, accurate ICD-10 coding is important for targeted treatment and proper documentation.
Psychological therapies and exercise are often recommended as first-line options, providing potential relief with minimal risk, as suggested by evidence-based guidelines.
Risk factors such as poor posture, injury, and degenerative changes may contribute to the likelihood of experiencing thoracic or thoracolumbar pain episodes.
Understanding ICD-10 thoracic spine pain helps patients and providers uncover the real source of discomfort, avoid unnecessary worry, and choose proven solutions—ultimately improving daily function, sleep, and emotional well-being even when back pain disrupts life.
As a board-certified interventional pain physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine with over 20 years of spine care experience, I’ve helped thousands of patients in Houston regain mobility and confidence. My expertise as the first physician in Houston to offer the Discseel® Procedure and one of only three certified master instructors worldwide uniquely positions me to address thoracic spine pain with precision. If you're interested in the latest non-surgical interventions for back pain, you may also find our Comprehensive Guide to L5-S1 Bulging Disc helpful.
ICD-10 thoracic spine pain refers to the use of specific diagnostic codes that classify mid- and upper-back pain, making it possible for physicians and patients to access proper care, insurance coverage, and personalized treatment plans. This system clarifies the clinical picture, ensuring that every underlying condition gets the careful attention it deserves.
Accurate coding influences various aspects, including insurance approvals and coordinated care. Clinical practice guidelines often recommend psychological and exercise-based therapies as first-line options for chronic musculoskeletal pain, including thoracic spine pain (psychological and exercise-based therapies as first-line options for chronic musculoskeletal pain).
If you’re seeking real solutions for persistent upper or mid-back pain in Houston, you’re in the right place for evidence-based answers.
ICD-10 thoracic spine pain refers to the use of specific diagnostic codes that classify pain in the upper and mid-back, allowing physicians like me to document, diagnose, and treat these conditions accurately. The ICD-10 system is the international standard for coding diseases and health conditions, ensuring that every patient receives the right care and insurance coverage.
The primary ICD-10 code for thoracic spine pain is M54.6. This code covers pain localized to the thoracic region, which is the area between your neck and lower back. For cases where pain extends to the thoracolumbar region—the area where the thoracic and lumbar spine meet—the code M54.4 (“thoracolumbar pain icd 10”) is used. Chronic or persistent pain may require additional codes to reflect duration and complexity.
ICD-10 Codes Table for Thoracic and Thoracolumbar Spine Pain
| Code | Description | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| M54.6 | Pain in thoracic spine | Upper/mid-back pain |
| M54.4 | Pain in thoracic and thoracolumbar | Pain at thoracic-lumbar junction |
| M54.5 | Low back pain | Lumbar/sacral region pain |
| M54.2 | Cervicalgia | Neck pain |
| M54.9 | Dorsalgia, unspecified | Unspecified back pain |
When to use these codes:
Accurate ICD-10 coding is essential for insurance approval, coordinated care, and ensuring that Houston patients receive the most appropriate treatment. In my experience, precise documentation streamlines the path to advanced therapies and helps avoid unnecessary delays.
If you’re unsure which code applies to your situation, I recommend consulting a spine specialist familiar with ICD-10 documentation. My training in pain medicine and rehabilitation ensures that every diagnosis is matched to the correct code for optimal care. For related discussions on disc and nerve pain, see our guide to S1 nerve distribution, anatomy, and treatment.
See if you may benefit from advanced spine pain care in Houston. For more information about comprehensive approaches to back pain, visit our Back Pain services page.
Thoracic spine pain can arise from a variety of causes. In my 20 years of treating spine conditions, I most often see the following:
For more detail on disc-related pain and conditions, read our blog on disc desiccation: causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Common symptoms may include aching or sharp pain in the upper or mid-back, stiffness, and occasionally pain radiating around the ribs or into the chest. In cases where nerves are involved, some patients may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness.
For Houston patients, occupational factors like heavy lifting or repetitive motion are common contributors. Differentiating between thoracic and thoracolumbar pain is crucial, as ICD-10 coding (such as “icd 10 thoracic spine pain” or “thoracolumbar pain icd 10”) guides both diagnosis and treatment planning.
My board certification in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation helps me identify subtle differences in pain patterns, ensuring that each patient receives a tailored approach. If you're interested in further insights on managing complex disc conditions, you might find value in our degenerative disc disease treatment options article.
Certain symptoms require immediate evaluation by a physician:
These signs may indicate serious spinal cord involvement. If you experience any of these, seek prompt assessment from a spine specialist in Houston. For more information on emergency symptoms, visit the APA clinical guideline for musculoskeletal pain.
You may also want to familiarize yourself with the emergency symptoms of a herniated disc.
In my practice, I always start with evidence-based, conservative therapies for thoracic and thoracolumbar pain. Research confirms that these approaches provide effective relief with minimal risk:
For additional self-care ideas, check out the herniated disc exercises guide for practical and safe routines.
Each of these options has pros and cons. For example, physical therapy is low risk but requires commitment, while medications may have side effects. My training in pain medicine allows me to tailor these treatments to each patient’s needs.
When conservative measures are not enough, I consider minimally invasive procedures. These options target the source of pain with less risk than surgery:
If you'd like to read patient feedback and insights about this treatment, our post on Discseel® reviews and lasting back pain relief provides valuable perspectives.
Some studies suggest that these interventions can be effective for select patients (see clinical pain management review). Compared to traditional surgery, these treatments offer faster recovery and fewer complications.
For those seeking more detailed information about the procedure itself, the Discseel® Procedure official site explains exactly how this approach targets disc damage.
At Performance Pain and Sports Medicine, I integrate non-surgical and minimally invasive protocols tailored to each patient. As the first physician in Houston to offer the Discseel® Procedure, my practice has become a center for advanced spine care.
What sets our care apart in Houston is the combination of innovative treatments, local expertise, and a commitment to restoring mobility without unnecessary surgery. If you’re ready to explore your options, see if you are a candidate for the Discseel® Procedure or other minimally invasive back pain treatments in Houston.
For local patients, learn more about our Houston spine care location and available services close to home.
Schedule your consult today to discover the best path forward for your thoracic spine pain.
Patient experiences are at the heart of my approach to spine care, especially as someone who trains physicians nationally in advanced pain procedures. Feedback from those I’ve treated helps me continually refine my methods and ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care.
I recently received feedback that captures what we aim to provide for those struggling with back pain:
"I recently underwent treatment with Dr. Wiederholz, and I cannot speak highly enough about the care I received. After an auto accident, I was experiencing severe back pain, and Dr. Wiederholz recommended and administered four spinal injections that provided significant relief. Dr. Wiederholz was a resident of Baylor College of Medicine and it shows in his quality of care." — Rick, Google Review
You can read more Google reviews here.
Stories like this remind me why accurate ICD-10 coding and a personalized treatment plan are so important for lasting relief.
Living in Houston means access to a diverse, active community—and with that comes unique challenges for spine health. Many of my patients here face back pain related to demanding jobs, long commutes, or sports injuries, which can complicate thoracic and thoracolumbar pain.
If you're dealing with overlapping lumbar pain, our effective treatment options for L5-S1 disc herniation resource offers further in-depth analysis.
As the first physician to bring the Discseel® Procedure to Houston, I’ve seen firsthand how advanced, minimally invasive options can transform outcomes for local patients. Research shows that early, precise diagnosis and targeted therapies are key to preventing chronic pain and reducing time away from work or family.
If you’re in Houston and struggling with upper or mid-back pain, my practice offers a full spectrum of evidence-based treatments, from conservative care to innovative procedures. Schedule a consultation to see which approach is right for you.
*This content reflects current medical guidelines and Dr. Wiederholz's 20+ years of clinical experience.*
Drawing from my quadruple board certification and two decades of practice, I know that accurate ICD-10 coding for thoracic spine pain is the foundation for effective diagnosis, insurance approval, and targeted treatment. Most patients benefit from conservative therapies like exercise and psychological support, but advanced options—including minimally invasive procedures—are available when standard care falls short. As Houston’s first Discseel® provider and a nationally recognized spine specialist, I offer a comprehensive approach that combines evidence-based medicine with specialized expertise.
If you’re in Houston and seeking answers for persistent upper or mid-back pain, let my experience guide your next steps. See if you are a candidate for the Discseel® procedure by scheduling a consultation today.
For more guidance or to connect with our team about your situation, Contact us for a consultation.
*This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.*
The primary ICD-10 code for thoracic spine pain is M54.6, which covers pain in the upper and mid-back. If pain extends to the thoracolumbar region, code M54.4 is used. Accurate coding helps ensure proper diagnosis, insurance coverage, and coordinated care for patients experiencing back pain.
Houston offers a range of options for thoracic spine pain, from conservative therapies to advanced, minimally invasive procedures. At Performance Pain and Sports Medicine, I provide both standard and specialized treatments, including the Discseel® Procedure, tailored to each patient’s needs. Consulting a spine specialist ensures you receive the most appropriate care for your condition.
First-line treatments for chronic thoracic spine pain include exercise-based therapy and psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. These approaches are supported by clinical guidelines for their effectiveness and low risk of harm. For more details, see the APA clinical practice guideline on nonpharmacological treatments for chronic musculoskeletal pain.
