Column Treatment Case Report No. 111｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
October 31, 2023
Patient case
The patient
A male patient in his 50s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In 2018, the patient experienced his first strained back episode. He has had 4 more since then.
In May 2023, he had his most recent strained back episode.
In July 2023, he underwent a medical checkup and was diagnosed with disc herniation.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve her symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 2 | 0 | 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, numbness in both lower limbs.
Forward bending: aggravation of pain in the lower back
Backward bending: aggravation of pain in the lower back
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: none
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Pain occurs when twisting the upper body.
Ability to walk is fine.
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, 4/5 – disc herniation
- L2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/s – disc degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L2/3 and 4/5 – disc herniation, likely the cause of the main symptoms.
・L3/4 – treatment from a preventive aspect due to disc degeneration.
Based on the examination and imaging findings, we proposed the above treatment.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3 and 4/5s.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Minowa.
This is an image of the needle inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The treatment took about 20 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by herself.
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
