Column Treatment Case Report No. 119｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
December 01, 2023
Patient case
The patient
A female patient in her 50s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In her 40s, the patient felt pain in her lower back while working, but her symptoms were relieved with massages.
In 2021, the massage stopped working and she began experiencing symptoms of numbness.
She visited a local orthopedist and was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis. She was treated with medication and through rehabilitation.
Since her condition failed to get better, the patient visited our clinic seeking to improve her symptoms. and to receive treatment.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 9 | 8 | 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, both lower limbs.
Bending forward: no change
Backward bending: Slight tightness in the buttocks
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: discomfort at 3/4 on the right side and 4/5 on the right too
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
The patient feels pain and numbness constantly.
Her walking ability is unaffected.
Imaging and findings
- L4/5 – spinal canal stenosis
- L4/5 – intervertebral disc degeneration
- L4/5 – stenosis of the intervertebral foramen
- L4/5 – anterolisthesis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L4/5- an intervertebral disc protrusion is causing stenosis of the foramen magnum and spinal canal stenosis, which is the most likely cause of the main symptoms.
Based on the examination and imaging findings, we proposed the above treatment.
Treatment
After consultation with the patient, the Cellgel method was performed on L4/5.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Minowa.
This is an image of the needle inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The treatment took about 10 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
