Column Case Report No. 131｜ ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Tokyo) Column
February 02, 2024
Patient Case
The patient
A female patient in her 20s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In 2022, the patient first developed low back pain. She went to a local hospital, but no known cause was diagnosed.
In October 2023, her back pain gradually worsened, so she visited another orthopedist and this time was diagnosed with disc herniation. Surgery was suggested, but she was reluctant about it.
She came to our clinic seeking treatment.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 5 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main pain areas – lower back, left lower limb
Forward bending: pain in left lower limb
Backward bending: no change
Lasegue test: positive on the left side only
Point of tenderness: 4/5, 5/s on the right side
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Pain increases when sitting.
No problem with the patient’s ability to walk.
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, 5/s – disc degeneration
- L5/s – disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L5/s – disc herniation toward the left side, which is the most likely cause of the left lower extremity symptoms.
Treatment
After consultation with the patient, the Cellgel procedure was performed on L5/s.
The treatment was performed by our administrative Director Dr. Minowa.
This is an image of the Discogel after injection.
The treatment took about 15 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
