Column Treatment Case Report No. 104｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
February 06, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient developed numbness from the buttocks to the lower extremities in 2019. Disc herniation was diagnosed by a local doctor.
Although his condition improved with rehabilitation, electrotherapy, and traction, the numbness remained.
In May 2024, while playing golf, he developed a strained back.
Symptoms persisted from then on.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
increase in numbness from the right buttock to the thigh when walking or standing for more than 15 minutes.
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
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, lower limbs.
Bending forward: possible
Bending backward: possible
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Intermittent claudication: none
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Turning over in bed poses no problem. Sitting and standing up for prolonged periods of time is somewhat problematic.
Imaging and findings
- L4/5 – disc herniation
- L3/4,5/s – Degeneration and protrusion of the intervertebral discs
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・The disc herniation in L4/5 may be compressing the spinal canal and is the likely cause of the pain and numbness.
The protrusion in L4/5 and 5/s may also be the cause of the primary symptoms.
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. Kotera.
The treatment took about 35 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
