Column Case Report No. 88｜ ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Osaka) Column
December 07, 2024
The patient
A male patient in his 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient was diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis at the beginning of July. He had also developed a strained back.
His symptoms first started 2 years ago as he was walking. Fatigue in the lower half of his body.
He came to the clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Pain in both buttocks, numbness from the right thigh to the toes.
・Pain level before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 0 | 3 | 8 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main area of pain and numbness: lower back, lower limbs
Forward bending: Possible
Backward bending: Possible
Tenderness point: Negative
Lasegue test: negative
Coughing & sneezing: no exacerbation
Intermittent claudication: present
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Symptoms occur when sitting to standing. No problem when sleeping at night.
The patient walks 2 km every morning.
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, 3/4 – mild disc degeneration
- L4/5-Mild disc degeneration and protrusion
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L4/5 – Mild disc degeneration and disc protrusion, likely due to the compression of the nerves, causing dull pain and numbness.
・L2/3 and 3/4 were also treated as a prophylactic measure.
Treatment
After consultation with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, 3/4, and 4/5.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Kodera.
The treatment took about 35 minutes.
After taking a rest in the recovery room, since the patient was able to sit, stand, and walk without any problems, he walked home on his own.
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
