Column Case Report No. 91｜ ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Osaka) Column
December 17, 2024
The patient
A male patient in his 40s.
The patient’s medical history to date
For about 10 years, he has had a feeling of discomfort in his lower back several times a year.
He has had chronic low back pain for the past 3 years, and his lower limb symptoms began to appear in August 2024, and have been worsening since then. He came to our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Pain in left buttock and calf, numbness
・Pain level before treatment
| Lower back | lower limbs | numbness | buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 1 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness – lower back – lower limbs
Forward bending: Possible
Backward bending: difficult
Point of tenderness: none
Lasegue test: negative
Coughing & sneezing: no aggravation
Intermittent claudication: none
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
∙ Daily activities
The patient used to play soccer and badminton, although he does not currently engage in any of these activities.
Turning in bed is somewhat difficult. Aggravation with prolonged sitting.
Imaging and findings
- Six vertebrae
- L3/4 – disc degeneration
- L4/5, 5/6 – disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・The herniated discs at L4/5 and 5/6 are most likely the cause of the main symptoms.
Treatment
After consultation with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed at L3/4, 4/5, and 5/6.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 25 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
