Column Treatment Progress Report No.154: a Patient who Underwent Laser Therapy at Another Clinic
February 12, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 60s.
Treated in December 2023. About 12 months have passed since the treatment
Symptoms and treatment up to now
This patient exhibited disc herniation in the area indicated by the red frame (L5/s).
L3 had anterolisthesis.
Pre-treatment medical history and treatments
When the patient was in her 40s, she suddenly began to feel pain in her lower back. At that time, she went to acupuncture and moxibustion sessions several times during that period, and the pain eventually improved.
In 2023, she experienced severe pain in her lower back when she lifted a heavy object. She visited a local orthopedist and was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, and decided to follow through with medication and see how her condition progressed.
In August 2023, she received laser treatment at another institution, after which her condition improved.
Still, she decided to come to our clinic because she had residual pain in her lower back.
Post-treatment progress
The following is a chart in which the patient himself rated the pain value of each part on a scale of 0 to 10.
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the greatest possible pain is rated as 10.
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before treatment | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 week after treatment | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 month after treatment | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 months after treatment | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 months after treatment | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 12 months after treatment | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The following is feedback from the patient when contacted for follow-up.
One week after the treatment, the patient was able to lead her daily life free of pain.
One month after, pain occurred occasionally at a level ranging from 1 to 8, though not constantly.
3 months after, there was no particular change in symptoms.
6 months after, symptoms appeared when sitting for prolonged periods of time. Symptoms improved after a short walk.
12 months after, there is no particular change, and she is very satisfied with the treatment itself, although she sometimes has pain in her lower back when she overdoes it a little.
This patient’s symptoms are thought to have been caused by disc degeneration and herniation.
She has been actively engaged in exercises such as walking in a pool.
We are very happy to report that her residual symptoms have improved with the laser treatment and that her quality of life has improved as she now participates in bus tours and other activities.
* 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
