Column Treatment Case Report No. 100｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
January 25, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 40s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient has been suffering from chronic back pain since his teens. 3 years ago, doctors identified a herniated disc.
Unable to receive treatment due to the COVID pandemia, he was put under observation. He received block injections without any improvement, so he came to our clinic to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Low back pain and numbness in the buttocks.
Symptoms increased when driving or sitting in a low chair.
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
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, buttocks
Forward bending: Possible
Backward bending: Slightly difficult
Point of tenderness: L4/5 on the right side
Lasegue test: negative
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Intermittent claudication: None
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Turning over in bed and standing up are no problem.
Prolonged sitting and lifting heavy objects are somewhat difficult.
Imaging and findings
- L4/5- Disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・Disc herniation in the midline of L4/5 is most likely the cause of the main symptoms.
Treatment
After consultation with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L4/5.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 20 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
