Column Case Report No. 138｜ ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Tokyo) Column
March 6, 2024
The patient
A female patient in her 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
10 years ago, the patient started feeling a tingling sensation in her left toes.
5 years ago, that tingling sensation became stronger.
3 years ago, she visited an orthopedic clinic, took medication and had nerve block injections, but there was no visible improvement.
Currently, she is experiencing lower back pain and tingling in both legs.
She came to our clinic seeking treatment.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 5 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main area of pain: lower back, left leg
Bending backward: No change
Lasegue test: Negative
Pressure point: in the vicinity of the L5/s spinous process zone
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Symptoms worsen with prolonged sitting or standing.
She is able to walking without problem.
Imaging and findings
- Degeneration of the L3/4, 4/5, and 5/s intervertebral discs (mild in 3/4)
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・Degeneration of the L3/4 and 5/s intervertebral discs was observed, from a preventative perspective.
・Narrowing of the intervertebral foramen due to L4/5 disc degeneration was observed, and this may be the cause of the main symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on 3/4, and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Minowa.
This is an image of the patient’s back after the Discogel injection.
The treatment took about 15 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
