Column Treatment Report No.47 | ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Osaka) Column
August 6, 2024
The patient
A female patient in her 70s
The patient’s medical history to date
She had been feeling a heavy, dull pain in her lower back for some time.
Three months ago, she began to experience sudden lower back pain and numbness in her buttocks.
She visited a local doctor, who diagnosed her with spondylolisthesis and spinal canal stenosis.
She was given a nerve block injection, but this did not improve her condition, and she was recommended to have surgery.
She read about our clinic in the newspaper and came for a consultation.
Symptoms before treatment
She was suffering from intermittent claudication.
Pain and numbness in the buttocks and the back of both thighs. The right side had more severe symptoms, which were worse at the time of waking up every morning.
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain: lower back, lower limbs
Forward bending: possible
Backward bending: somewhat difficult
Pressure points: None
Coughing, sneezing: No aggravation
Additional information about our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Turning over in bed and getting up are very difficult.
Washing one’s face and sitting for long periods of time are also somewhat difficult.
Images and findings
・L4/5 – spinal canal stenosis
・L2/3, L3/4 – disc degeneration, protrusion
The above was also observed on the imaging.
・L4/5 – Spinal canal stenosis was observed and is highly likely to be the cause of the main symptoms, due to spinal canal compression.
L2/3, 5/s – Disc degeneration and protrusion were observed in the yellow-framed areas and are likely to be the cause of the main symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel method was performed on L2/3, 4/5, and 5/s. The treatment was performed by Dr. Kodera.
The treatment took about 45 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by himself.
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
