Column Treatment Progress Report No.152: a Patient Who had Numbness Symptoms Whose Condition Improved
January 27, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 50s
Treated in May 2023. Approximately 12 months have passed since treatment.
Symptoms and treatments up to now
This patient had spinal canal stenosis in the area indicated by the red frame (L4/5).
Pre-treatment medical history and treatments
In 2013, due to pain in the lower back, the patient visited a local orthopedic surgeon and was diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis.
In 2023, after climbing a mountain, he began to experience numbness in both lower limbs. His walking speed also decreased.
The patient learned about our clinic and visited us to improve his symptoms.
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 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 |
1 week after treatment | 3 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
1 month after treatment | 5 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
3 months after treatment | 5 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
6 months after treatment | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
12 months after treatment | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
The following is feedback from the patient when contacted for follow-up.
After one week, The patient was able to sleep on his back. Even though it was easier than before the treatment, the numbness was still bothering him.
After 1 month, the numbness in his toes remained, but his left hip was getting better.
After 3 months, the nerve pain around the right hip that was there before had not gone. The symptoms are worse when he wakes up in the morning.
After 6 months, the numbness was gradually getting better. Although he had pain once when he climbed a mountain for the first time in a long time, he had no special difficulties in his daily life.
After 12 months, the numbness had become much milder than before the treatment. He has recovered to the point where he can climb mountains and play golf.
The patient’s symptoms are thought to have been caused by spinal canal stenosis.
The patient had been suffering from symptoms of numbness, but the treatment has improved the symptoms considerably.
Now, the patient’s back symptoms have also improved and he can enjoy sports such as hiking and golfing.
* 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