Column Treatment Report No.18｜ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Osaka) Column
May 28, 2024
The patient
A male patient in his 60s
The patient’s progress to date
About 10 years ago, he developed back pain and pain and numbness between his right buttock and thigh.
Recently, the pain worsened, and when he visited his local doctor, he was diagnosed with a herniated disc.
He came to the clinic to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms prior to treatment
Right lumbar pain and right buttock pain when walking about 20 to 30 meters.
Numbness from the back of the right thigh to the bottom of the foot.
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the greatest possible pain is rated as 10.
Main pain areas: the lower extremities
Mainly pain in the lower back, and numbness in the legs
Forward bending: numbness in the same area
Backward bending: discomfort in the lower back
Lasegue test: negative
Lumbar tender points: left L3/4, right L4/5 positive
Coughing and sneezing: no effect
Standing on tiptoe and heels: Possible
Additional explanations on our medical examination
・Daily activities
Turning in bed and prolonged sitting are no problem
He applies menthol pads on it and takes pain medicine daily
It is slightly difficult for him to hold a standing position and to stand up
Imaging and findings
- L3/4, 4/5, 5/s – Disc degeneration and protrusion were diagnosed.
- L3/4, 4/5 – Intervertebral arthritis was diagnosed.
- L5/s – Intervertebral foramen stenosis was diagnosed.
・L3/4, 4/5, 5/s – Disc protrusion is likely the main cause of symptoms due to spinal canal compression causing intervertebral foramen narrowing in L5/s.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel method was performed on L3/4, 4/5, and 5/s
The treatment was performed by Dr. Maruyama.
After injecting DiscoGel
The treatment took about 35 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
