August 20, 2024

The patient

A male patient in his 60s

Patient’s medical history so far

　The patient has had back pain once or twice a year until now. It was usually relieved about one month after the onset.

This time, pain and numbness appeared in his right leg, and he visited an orthopedic surgeon, who diagnosed him with disc herniation.

He took medication and underwent traction therapy, but the pain did not heal and persisted no matter what he did.

He came to the hospital seeking improvement of his condition.

Symptoms before treatment

　Pain and numbness predominantly on the right side.

Because he usually walks compensating for his right side, his left side is generally painful.

　

　

・Pain levels before treatment

	Lower back	Lower limbs	Numbness	Buttocks
Pain level	7	8	7	8

No pain at all is rated as 0, and the greatest possible pain is rated as 10.

Main numbness areas: lower back, lower extremities

　Forward bending: A little aggravation on the thigh

Backward bending: possible

Tenderness point: right L4/5

Lasegue test: Positive on the right at an angle of 30 degrees, and 70 degrees on the left

Cough, sneezing: initially pain-inducing, but not anymore

　

Additional explanation about our clinic’s physical examination

・Daily activities

Turning over in bed is easy, but prolonged sitting and lifting heavy objects are very difficult.

Imaging and findings

　

• L2/3-Moderate spinal canal stenosis
• L4/5-Mild spinal canal stenosis
• L5/s- narrowing of the right intervertebral foramen, inflammation of the right intervertebral joint

The above was also observed on the imaging.

・L2/3, 4/5- spinal canal compression due to spinal canal stenosis, L5/s- nerve compression due to right intervertebral foramen stenosis

This is the most likely the cause of the main symptoms.

　

Treatment

After consultation with the patient, the Cellgel method was performed on L2/3, 4/5, and 5/s

The treatment was performed by Dr. Maruyama.

The treatment took about 30 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