Column Case Report No. 147｜ ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Tokyo) Column
2024.05.01
The patient:
A male patient in his 70s
The patient’s medical history to date
In his 30s: First experience of a back strain. This has happened about 3 or 4 times to date, but it usually gets better within 3 or 4 days.
In 2023: He felt Sudden pain in his lower back, so he visited an orthopedic clinic and received medication and rehabilitation.
In 2024: The day after he felt a strange sensation in his right lower leg, he had pain in his leg and was unable to move it. He visited an orthopedic clinic and a bone setting clinic, but saw no improvement.
He came to our hospital for treatment
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 0 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main pain area: right lower limb
Back bending: worsening of the symptoms in right lower limb
Lasegue test: Negative
Pressure points: None
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
The pain becomes worse when walking.
There is no problem with the walking distance.
Images and findings
- L3/4, 4/5, and 5/s-disc degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・Narrowing of the intervertebral foramen due to L3/4, 4/5, and 5/s-disc degeneration was observed, and it is highly likely to be the cause of the main symptoms.
The narrowing of the right intervertebral foramen at L3/4 and 4/5 is severe, so it is also highly likely that this is one of the main cause of the symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel method was performed on L3/4, 4/5, and 5/s.
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel method was performed on L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Maruyama.
This is an image of the patient’s back after the Discogel was injected.
The treatment took about 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
