Column Treatment case No.11｜ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Osaka) Column
May 07, 2024
The patient
A female patient in her 80s
Patient’s medical history to date
This year, when she was carrying something heavy, she started to feel pain in her lower back.
It gradually got worse, until it became painful and difficult for her to walk.
She received a nerve block injection but came to our clinic again for fear of a recurrence.
Symptoms prior to treatment
At one point, it hurt so much from the left hip to the side of the left leg, that she was unable to walk.
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 6 | 9 | 6 | 7 |
No pain is rated as 0 for no pain at all and 10 for the maximum possible pain.
Main area of pain: lower limbs
Bending forward: Possible
Backward bending: Numbness in the left buttock.
Lasegue test: Positive at 30 degrees to the left
Pressure points: L3/4, 4/5, 5/S. Just the slightest touch was enough to cause pain.
Manual muscle test: weakness on the left side
Additional explanation about our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
She was able to walk for less than 100 meters.
Getting up and washing one’s face were very difficult.
Images and findings
- Degeneration of the intervertebral discs was observed in L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, and 5/s.
- Protrusion was observed in L4/5 and 5/s.
・Based on the above, it is highly likely that L4/5 and 5/s are the cause of the main symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel method was performed on L4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Maruyama.
The treatment took about 40 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
