Column Case Report No.54 | ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Osaka) Column
August 27, 2024
The patient
A male patient in his 30s
The patient’s medical history to date
He has had lower back pain since elementary school. He used to play basketball.
At the age of 28, he underwent an MRI scan, which diagnosed spondylolysis of the fifth lumbar vertebra.
He experienced pain at regular intervals about twice a year.
Three to four months ago, he experienced severe pain that made it difficult for him to move.
He visited another hospital for treatment about a month ago and came to our hospital for comparison purposes.
Symptoms before treatment
Pain in the hip joint when turning inwards
Pain and numbness predominantly on the left hip joint
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 3～9 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
We rate the degree of pain from 0 (no pain at all) to 10 (the worst possible pain).
Main areas of pain and numbness: Lower back, hip joint
Forward bending: possible
Backward bending: possible
Pressure point: left L4/5
Lasegue test: negative
Coughing, sneezing: no aggravation
Additional information on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Turning over in bed: easy
Getting up: easy
Washing one’s face: easy
Holding a posture with the body bent forward or standing: somewhat difficult
Sitting for a long time (about 1 hour): somewhat difficult
Lifting or holding heavy objects: somewhat difficult
Image and findings
- L4/5 – Intervertebral disc degeneration, protrusion, right herniation
- L5/s – Intervertebral disc degeneration, left herniation
- L5 – Bilateral spondylolysis
The above was also observed on the imaging.
・The spinal canal was compressed by the herniated disc at L5/s, and this was highly likely to be the cause of the main symptoms.
・Although there was a herniated disc at L4/5, the intervertebral disc degeneration was mild, so it was not indicated for treatment at this time.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel method was performed on L5/S
The treatment was performed by Dr. Maruyama.
The treatment took around 20 minutes
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by himself.
Our clinic’s treatment method
Additional information about the Cellgel method we have introduced in this column.
Cost of the Cellgel method: 1,320,000 yen per area (including tax) to 1,760,000 yen per 5 areas (including tax)
Risks and side effects of the Cellgel method: Transient pain may occur after treatment. Nerve damage is not a zero possibility due to the very nature of the treatment, but there have been no reports of damage so far in either report cases or publications. There is a very small possibility of allergic reactions to local anesthetics. Symptoms may temporarily worsen during the first week or two after treatment. This is believed to be due to the decompression effect of the implant, which retracts the surrounding tissues. In addition, if the disc is almost completely collapsed, treatment may be difficult. The doctor hold a consultation with you during your visit to the clinic to determine the best treatment option for your condition.
For more detailed information, please refer to the following links:
Blog page explaining the Cellgel method in an easy-to-understand manner
The Cellgel method on our treatment methods page
This article was written by the Administrative Director of our clinic
