Abnormal Cervical Spine Morphology C5398012
Structural issues with the neck portion of the spine. Can affect posture, nerve function, and may cause pain or restricted movement.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- M79.9
- ICD-11
- FA00.0
- Body system
- musculoskeletal
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Severe Arm Weakness
Significant loss of strength in the arms that may indicate spinal cord compression.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden or severe weakness, as this may indicate serious spinal cord compression.
Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction
Loss of control over bladder or bowel movements, potentially indicating severe spinal cord compression.
This is a medical emergency. Seek immediate emergency care as this may indicate cauda equina syndrome or severe spinal cord damage.
Neck Pain
(musculoskeletal)Persistent or intermittent pain in the neck region, often worsening with movement or prolonged positioning.
Frequency: 70-85% of patients
Neck Stiffness
(musculoskeletal)Reduced flexibility and difficulty moving the neck through its normal range of motion.
Frequency: 65-80% of patients
Reduced Range of Motion
(musculoskeletal)Limited ability to turn, tilt, or flex the neck due to structural abnormalities.
Frequency: 60-75% of patients
Arm Weakness
(neurologic)Decreased strength in one or both arms due to nerve compression or spinal cord involvement.
Frequency: 40-55% of patients
Arm Numbness or Tingling
(neurologic)Abnormal sensations including pins and needles, numbness, or tingling in the arms or hands.
Frequency: 35-50% of patients
Headache
(neurologic)Head pain, particularly at the back of the head, often associated with neck position or movement.
Frequency: 30-45% of patients
Shoulder Pain
(musculoskeletal)Pain radiating from the neck to the shoulder region, sometimes extending down the arm.
Frequency: 35-50% of patients
Balance Problems
(neurologic)Difficulty with coordination and balance, especially when walking or standing.
Frequency: 15-25% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Behavioral and nutritional therapy
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
When to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Cervical Spine Morphology C5398012?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Guidelines for the management of cervical spine disorders. Neurosurgery. 2002;50(3 Suppl):S1-202.
Kadaňka Z Jr, Kadaňka Z Sr, Bednařík J, et al. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: conservative versus surgical treatment after 10 years. European Spine Journal. 2021;30(10):2779-2789.
Fehlings MG, Tetreault LA, Riew KD, et al. A Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy. Spine. 2017;42(19):1476-1488.
Liu S, Lu Y, Sun X, Wang H. Comparison of anterior vs posterior approach for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a meta-analysis. Orthopaedic Surgery. 2021;13(6):1723-1734.
Boden SD, McCowin PR, Davis DO, Dina TS, Mark AS, Wiesel S. Abnormal magnetic-resonance scans of the cervical spine in asymptomatic subjects. A prospective investigation. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery American Volume. 1990;72(8):1178-1184.
North American Spine Society. Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy from Degenerative Disorders. Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines. Spine. 2010;35(14):E788-E817.
Kadoya S, Iizuka H, Iwasaki M, et al. Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire: part 3. Determination of minimum clinically important difference for severity-specific subscales. Journal of Orthopaedic Science. 2019;24(2):281-285.
Fehlings MG, Kopjar B, Arnold P, et al. Multi-center prospective randomized controlled trial comparing cervical spondylotic myelopathy surgery to conservative treatment at 2 years. Neurosurgery. 2018;83(4):807-814.
Karam Y, Tumialán LM. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment. Contemporary Neurosurgery. 2020;42(8):1-6.
Benzel EC. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: pathophysiology and treatment. In: Benzel EC, ed. Spine Surgery. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2012:652-668.
Medication Comparisons
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If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy