Lumbago with sciatica, left side

This code signifies lower back pain accompanied by radiating pain, numbness, or weakness down the left leg, indicative of sciatic nerve involvement. It typically arises from nerve root compression in the lumbar spine, often due to disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis.

Apply this code when documentation clearly specifies lumbago (low back pain) with associated sciatica affecting the patient's left side. This diagnosis is supported by findings such as a positive straight leg raise test on the left, left-sided dermatomal sensory deficits, or myotomal weakness.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "left side" for the sciatica; otherwise, an unspecified laterality code should be used.
• Do not use this code if the sciatica is bilateral or exclusively on the right side.
• Consider additional codes for the underlying cause of the sciatica (e.g., M51.2- for disc displacement) if specified and supported by documentation.