Column Treatment Report No.51｜ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Osaka) Column
August 17, 2024
The patient
A male patient in his 70’s
Patient’s medical history to date
He was diagnosed with a herniated disc 10 years ago and underwent surgery in Korea.
About 3 years ago, his back pain flared up again. He was diagnosed as having a slipped disc by his local doctor.
He came to the clinic to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Pain and numbness from his left buttock to his toes.
Occasional pain in the right hip. Symptoms worsen when sitting for long periods of time.
Walking for a short while makes it easier.
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the greatest possible pain is rated as 10.
Main numbness area: lower limbs
Forward bending: Possible
Backward bending: Possible
Tenderness point: left L4/5, 5/s
Lasegue test: Negative
Cough, sneezing: Exacerbation of the symptoms
Additional explanation about our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
It is painful but he is able to walk.
Difficulty in playing golf due to back pain.
Imaging and findings
- L1/2 – disc degeneration, protrusion
- L2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/s – Degenerated disc, protruding Intervertebral disc stenosis
- L3 – Mild spondylolisthesis
The above was also observed on the imaging.
・L2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/s- disc degeneration, protrusion, narrowed intervertebral foramen, most likely the cause of the main symptoms.
Treatment
After consultation with the patient, the Cellgel method was performed on L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Kodera.
The treatment took about 80 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by himself.
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
