Spinal instabilities, cervical region

This code signifies an abnormal or excessive movement between two or more vertebrae in the cervical spine, leading to pain, neurological symptoms, or functional impairment. It indicates a loss of the spine's ability to maintain its normal pattern of displacement under physiological loads without causing neurological deficit, severe pain, or incapacitating deformity.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates instability of the cervical spine, often diagnosed through dynamic imaging studies (e.g., flexion/extension X-rays) showing excessive motion. This applies to conditions like spondylolisthesis, ligamentous laxity, or post-traumatic instability in the neck region.

• Ensure documentation specifies "instability" and the "cervical region." Do not use for general neck pain without evidence of instability.
• Be mindful of laterality if specified for other spinal conditions, though not applicable to this specific code.
• Consider sequencing with codes for underlying causes (e.g., spondylolisthesis, trauma) if applicable and documented.