Column Case Report No. 77｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka) Column
November 5, 2024
The patient
A male patient in his 20s.
The patient’s medical history to date
He developed lower back pain 8 years ago when he was carrying heavy objects at his part-time job.
He was diagnosed with disc herniation 7 years ago. He tried physical therapy, but it didn’t improve his condition. He came to our clinic with a slouching posture and symptoms of disc herniation. His goal was to find a fundamental cure for his condition.
Symptoms before treatment
He had pain and numbness from his right hip to above his knee.
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main area of pain: lower back
Forward bending: Somewhat difficult
Backward bending: Possible
Pressure point: L5/S, right
Lasegue test:
positive at 30 degrees on the right side
Coughing & sneezing: Aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
No intermittent claudication.
Standing up and turning over are easy.
Standing up and sitting down for long periods of time are somewhat difficult.
If pain makes walking difficult, it is possible to walk again after a few minutes’ rest.
Imaging and findings
- L1/2-intervertebral disc degeneration
- L5/s-intervertebral disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・There is a high possibility that the disc herniation at L5/s is the cause of the pain and numbness on the right side.
The disc degeneration at L1/2 was treated from a preventative perspective
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel method was performed on L1/2 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Kodera.
The treatment took about 30 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
