Column Treatment Case Report No. 104｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
September 25, 2023
Patient case
The patient
A female patient in her 30s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In September 2022, the patient suddenly developed symptoms of lower back pain, pain and numbness from the right buttock to the right lower extremity.
In December 2022, she visited her local orthopedist and was diagnosed with disc herniation. Surgery was suggested, but she decided to observe how her condition developped.
In July 2023, even though the pain was gone, the symptoms of numbness remained.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 5～10 | 5～10 | 5～10 | 5～10 |
*Usually at 5, but flares up to 10 when painful.
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, right lower limb.
Bending forward: no change
Bending backward: slightly painful
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: spinous process of L3/4, 4/5
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Pain occurs when standing, sitting, or remaining in the same position for too long.
Walking ability is unaffected.
Imaging and findings
- L3/4, 4/5, 5/s – disc degeneration
- L4/5 – disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L4/5 – Herniated disc, possible the main cause of pain and numbness in the lower back and lower extremity.
・L5/s – Preventative measures are necessary because of the disc degeneration.
Based on the examination and imaging findings, we proposed the above treatment.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Minowa.
This is an image of the patient’s back after the Discogel injection.
The treatment took about 15 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
