Column Treatment Progress Report No.86: a Patient Who Suddenly Developed Back Pain After Waking Up
December 15, 2023.
The patient
A female patient in her 70s
Treated in March 2023. About 9 months have passed since the treatment
Symptoms and treatment
This patient had disc degeneration in the areas indicated by the red frame (discs at L3/4, 4/5, and 5/s).
In addition, an anterolisthesis in L3 was also observed.
Pre-treatment medical history and treatments
In 2021, she had mild back pain immediately after using a massage machine, but the pain quickly abated.
In February 2023, she suddenly had back pain when she woke up in the morning.
She found our clinic and came to see us for treatment.
Progress after treatment
The following is a chart in which the patient rated each area of pain on a scale of 0 to 10.
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the greatest possible pain is rated as 10.
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before treatment | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 week after treatment | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 month after treatment | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 3 months after treatment | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 months after treatment | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The following is feedback from the patient when contacted for follow-up.
After one week, symptoms had decreased.
After one month, pain in the buttocks was present on a daily basis.
After 3 months had elapsed, she was walking about 30 minutes a day, without feeling particularly fatigued.
After 6 months, her back hurt occasionally, but it felt much better than it did before the treatment.
This patient main condition is thought to have been a cracked disc at L3/4.
It could have been caused by something similar to disc herniation.
Since the cracks were treated with the Cellgel Method, it is highly unlikely that the pain will increase in the future, unless a significant impact occurs.
Since there is a possibility that the symptoms may have been caused by spondylolisthesis, our clinic also recommends that the patient undergoes rehabilitation.
* It takes approximately 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
