Column Case Report No. 91｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka) Column
December 17, 2024
The patient
A male patient in his 40s.
The patient’s medical history to date
For about 10 years, he has had a feeling of discomfort in his lower back several times a year.
He has had chronic low back pain for the past 3 years, and his lower limb symptoms began to appear in August 2024, and have been worsening since then. He came to our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Pain in left buttock and calf, numbness
・Pain level before treatment
| Lower back | lower limbs | numbness | buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 1 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness – lower back – lower limbs
Forward bending: Possible
Backward bending: difficult
Point of tenderness: none
Lasegue test: negative
Coughing & sneezing: no aggravation
Intermittent claudication: none
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
∙ Daily activities
The patient used to play soccer and badminton, although he does not currently engage in any of these activities.
Turning in bed is somewhat difficult. Aggravation with prolonged sitting.
Imaging and findings
- Six vertebrae
- L3/4 – disc degeneration
- L4/5, 5/6 – disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・The herniated discs at L4/5 and 5/6 are most likely the cause of the main symptoms.
Treatment
After consultation with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed at L3/4, 4/5, and 5/6.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 25 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
