Column Case Report No. 130｜ ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Tokyo) Column
January 29, 2024
Patient Case
The patient
A male patient in his 30s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In 2017, the patient was diagnosed with disc herniation. He underwent exercise therapy and block injections, but there was no improvement.
He had been living with chronic pain and so decided to come to our clinic for treatment.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
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, extremities of the feet
Bending forward: no change
Bending backward: no change
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness：none
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Pain increases with prolonged standing or during sleeping.
The patient can walk without any problem.
Imaging and findings
- L1/2, 4/5 – disc degeneration ( mild in 1/2)
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L4/5 – Intervertebral foramen stenosis due to disc degeneration was observed, and is the probable cause of the lower back symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L4/5.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Kono.
This is an image of the patient’s back after the Discogel injection.
The treatment took about 30 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 Q-Florence method we have just presented above.
Cost of the Q Florence method: 1,600,000 yen/one site (including tax) to 2,300,000 yen/two sites (including tax)
Cost for this patient’s case: Q Florence method 1 site = 1,600,000 yen (including tax)
Risks and side effects of the Q-Florence method: Although there are no reports of such cases in our own experience or in the literature, there is a possibility of damage to nerves, dura mater, and other surrounding tissues due to insertion of the spacer. There is a very small possibility of allergic reaction to the local anesthetic. There is a possibility of dislocation or fracture of the spinous process. Temporary urinary problems and allergic reactions may also occur.
For more detailed information, please refer to the following links:
Blog article explaining the Q-Florence method in an easy-to-understand manner (in Japanese)
Our clinic’s page about the Q-Florence Method (in Japanese)
This article was written by the Administrative Director of the Clinic
