Treatment Case Studies
& Blog

Column Treatment Report No.15|ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Osaka)

May 21, 2024

The patient

 A female patient in her 60s 

The patient’s evolution to date

The patient developed low back pain in her 40s.

She developed sciatic neuralgia about 3 years ago.

She came to the clinic for improvement of her symptoms.

Symptoms before treatment

She had difficulty in staying on her back for extended periods of time.

She was unable to extend her lower back when walking.

Bending forward or sitting down somewhat eased the symptoms.

 

・Pain levels before treatment

Lower backLower limbsNumbnessButtocks
Pain level8706

No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.

the main pain centers are in the lower back and lower extremities.

 Forward flexion: increase in pain

 Backward flexion: no change in pain

 Straight leg test: no problem

 Tenderness point: left L4/5

 Aggravating positions: lying face up, walking, standing

 Relief: sitting, lying on the side

Additional explanations on our medical examination

・Daily activities

Pain in lower extremities after 10 minutes in a standing position.

Walking is possible for about 30 minutes, but the patient needs to bend forward.

No sleep disturbance or sensory disturbance at night.

 

Imaging and findings

  • A scoliosis was observed.
  • Disc degeneration and protrusion were observed in L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/s.

 

・L3/4, 4/5, and 5/s are likely to be the cause of the main symptoms, as they are compressing the spinal canal.

 L1/2 and 2/3 also have protrusion in the discs, but they do not compress the spinal canal at present, and are therefore not considered to be related to the main symptoms.

Treatment

After consultation with the patient, the Cellgel procedure was performed on L3/4, 4/5, and 5/s.

The treatment was performed by Dr. Maruyama.

              

The treatment took about 50 minutes.

The patient was moved to the recovery room to rest for some time, after which he was able to walk home on his own.

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