Column Case Report No. 6｜ ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Osaka) Column
April 23, 2024
The patient:
A male patient in his 60s
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient’s frequent golfing gradually led to the development of pain and numbness.
About a year ago, the pain suddenly worsened. The patient visited a hospital where he was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis.
The patient was recommended to have surgery, but decided to see how the condition evolved.
Symptoms before treatment
Pain in the lower back and legs. Numbness was also present.
The lower back started to hurt gradually.
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main pain area: lower back, legs
Bending forward: No change in pain levels
Bending backward: No change in pain levels
Lower limb extension test: no problems
Femoral nerve extension test: no problems
Sacroiliac joint: pain present
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
No pain in resting position. It feels better when sitting down.
Sometimes numbness is present in both lower legs.
Images and findings
- L4/5 spondylolisthesis, spinal canal stenosis
- L3/4、4/5 degeneration of the intervertebral discs
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・Disc degeneration due to the spondylolisthesis in L4/5 was observed, and is likely to be the cause of the main symptoms.
・L3/4 – Disc degeneration was observed, and and is lalso ikely to be the cause of the main symptoms
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel method was performed on L3/4, 4/5.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Imai.
The treatment took about 30 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
