Column Treatment Case Report No. 57｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
March 24, 2023
The case of a patient treated at our clinic for pain that affected her work and daily life
The patient
A female patient in her 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient often felt pain in her lower back while standing at work, or suddenly she would become unable to move her legs.
She visited a local orthopedist who diagnosed her with spinal canal stenosis.
In 2021, the pain began to intensify and began to affect her personal life, prompting her to visit our clinic.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 3 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: left thigh.
Pain is aggravated in the left hip area when bending backward.
Pain occurs when lifting the left leg from a lying position.
Pain occurs when pressing on 4/5 left and 3/4 on the right side.
・Daily activities
It is very difficult for her to go up and down stairs and at her workplace where she has to remain standing at all times.
She also has some difficulty in turning over in bed and in semi-crouched position.
Although it is difficult for her to walk more than 500 m, she is able to walk between 100 to 500 m.
Imaging and findings
- L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/s – disc degeneration
- L2/3 – disc herniation
- L2/3, 3/4, 4/5 – spinal canal stenosis
・L2/3 – disc herniation and spinal canal stenosis were observed, and may be the probable cause of the pain and numbness
・L3/4 and 4/5 – Spinal canal stenosis was observed, and may be the probable cause of the pain and numbness.
・L5/s- disc degeneration was observed and may be an indication for a preventive treatment.
Based on the examination and imaging findings, we proposed the above treatment.
Treatment
The Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, 3/4, 4/5, and 5/s.
This is an image of the patient’s back after the Discogel injection.
The treatment took about 35 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
