Column Treatment Progress Report No.133: a Patient in Their 20s Who Was Diagnosed With Disc Herniation
September 27, 2024
The patient
A male patient in his 20s
Treated in October 2023. Approximately 11 months have passed since treatment.
Symptoms and treatment
This patient had disc degeneration in the areas indicated by the red frames (L5/s).
Pre-treatment medical history and treatments
From February 2023, the patient began to experience pain in the lower back and right leg.
He visited a local orthopedic clinic and was treated with medication.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve her symptoms.
Post-treatment progress
The table below shows the results of the patient’s own evaluation of the pain in each body site on a scale of 0 to 10.
No pain at all is rated as 0 and 10 as the maximum possible pain.
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before treatment | 4 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| 1 week after treatment | 2 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 month after treatment | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 3 months after treatment | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 6 months after treatment | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
The following feedback was received from the patient when we contacted him for follow-up.
After 1 week, the pain had eased on the third day following the treatment.
After 1 month, he was able to sit for longer periods without pain.
After 3 months, his legs hurt and went numb when he was tired. Before the treatment, he could only sit for 30 minutes, but now he can sit for about 2 hours straight.
After 6 months, the numbness has subsided compared to 3 months ago. Overall, his condition has improved.
In this case, the symptoms were thought to have been caused by a herniated disc on the right side.
Although he is young, the time it took for the treatment to take effect was the same as for other patients.
The average time it takes for the Cellgel method to take effect is around 3 months, and there is little difference in the time it takes for the treatment to take effect depending on age.
* It takes about 3 weeks to 3 months to see the full effects of the treatment.
* Effects in the treatment may vary according to individual differences. Please be aware that there is a possibility that the exact same effects may not be replicated every time.
Our clinic’s treatment method
Here is some additional information about the Cellgel method that we have presented here.
Cost of the Cellgel method: 1,320,000 yen per site (including tax) to 1,760,000 yen for 5 sites (including tax)
Cost for this patient’s case: Cellgel performed in 2 areas = 1,430,000 yen (including tax)
Risks and side effects of the Cellgel method: Transient pain may occur after treatment. Due to the very nature of the treatment, the possibility of nerve damage is not zero, but so far there have been no reports of damage in either reported cases or publications. There is a very small possibility of allergic reactions to the local anesthetic. 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 pulls in the surrounding tissues. Also, if the disc is almost completely worn out, it may not be possible to treat it. The doctor will consult with you during your visit to determine the best treatment option for your condition.
For more detailed information, please refer to the following links:
Column page explaining the Cellgel method in an easy-to-understand manner
Page of the Cellgel procedure at our clinic
This article was written by the administrative Director of our clinic
