Column Treatment Progress Report No.139: a Patient Who Experienced a Different Kind of Pain After Treatment, but is now Symptom-free
November 8, 2024
The Patient
A male patient in his 40s
Treated in November 2023, about 12 months have passed since treatment.
Symptoms and treatment
This patient had stenosis of the intervertebral foramen due to intervertebral disc degeneration at the site indicated by the red frame (L5/S).
Pre-treatment medical history and treatments
The patient had been experiencing pain in his lower back and discomfort in his lower limbs when standing for long periods of time.
The pain in his lower back has been more intense since April 2023.
He learned about our clinic and came to us for treatment.
Post-treatment progress
The table below shows the results of the patient’s own evaluation of the pain in each body site on a scale of 0 to 10.
No pain at all is rated as 0 and 10 as the maximum possible pain.
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before treatment | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
| 1 week after treatment | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 1 month after treatment | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 3 months after treatment | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 months after treatment | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The following is feedback from the patient when contacted for follow-up.
After 1 week, the pain in his buttocks had decreased by half, but the pain in his lower back and legs was unchanged.
After 1 month, there was no adverse effect on his daily life, but the symptoms appeared after standing for a long time. Sometimes the ankles, which were not painful before treatment, would become painful.
After 3 months, there were no apparent symptoms, and he was able to exercise on an exercise bike without any problems.
After 6 months, there were no apparent symptoms.
In this case, the patient experienced pain of another type after the treatment due to an increase in the volume of the intervertebral disc.
Sometimes, pain can manifest itself in different ways when the treatment is having its effect. In our data, we have seen that symptoms often improve after the area of pain has shifted, and we believe this is a side effect of the repair process.
We also think that the patient’s habitual exercise routine, which he began about a month after the treatment, also contributed to the improvement.
* It takes approximately 3 weeks to 3 months to see the full effects of the treatment.
* Effects in the treatment may vary according to individual differences. Please be aware that there is a possibility that the exact same effects may not be replicated every time.
Our clinic’s treatment method
Here is some additional information about the Cellgel method that we have presented here.
Cost of the Cellgel method: 1,320,000 yen per site (including tax) to 1,760,000 yen for 5 sites (including tax)
Cost for this patient’s case: Cellgel performed in 2 areas = 1,430,000 yen (including tax)
Risks and side effects of the Cellgel method: Transient pain may occur after treatment. Due to the very nature of the treatment, the possibility of nerve damage is not zero, but so far there have been no reports of damage in either reported cases or publications. There is a very small possibility of allergic reactions to the local anesthetic. 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 pulls in the surrounding tissues. Also, if the disc is almost completely worn out, it may not be possible to treat it. The doctor will consult with you during your visit to determine the best treatment option for your condition.
For more detailed information, please refer to the following links:
Column page explaining the Cellgel method in an easy-to-understand manner
Page of the Cellgel procedure at our clinic
This article was written by the administrative Director of our clinic
