Column Treatment Progress Report No.164: A Patient Whose Symptoms Were Reduced by Half
April 11, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 70s
Treated in December 2023. About 16 months have passed since the treatment.
Symptoms and treatments to date
This patient had spinal canal stenosis in the areas indicated by the red frame (L3/4, 4/5), and L2/3 were treated as well.
Pre-treatment medical history and treatments to date
The patient has had chronic low back pain since his thirties.
Ten years ago, he developed symptoms of numbness in his lower limbs, so he underwent endoscopic discectomy to remove a herniated disc, with subsequent improvement.
Six months ago, his back pain symptoms suddenly aggravated. He visited a local orthopedic surgeon and received medication and rehabilitation, but his condition did not improve.
The patient visited our clinic since his symptoms were not improving.
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 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| 1 week after treatment | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| 1 month after treatment | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| 3 months after treatment | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| 6 months after treatment | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| 12 months after treatment | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
The following is feedback from the patient when contacted for follow-up.
After one week, overall symptoms had decreased and she was feeling much better.
After one month, she experienced discomfort and pain in her buttocks when sitting for prolonged periods of time, such as when using the restroom.
After 3 months, her condition was the same as at the 1-month follow-up.
After 6 months, symptoms have reduced compared to before the treatment, but the pain in the buttocks and numbness in the toes were still a concern.
After 12 months, the patient feels pain when sitting or standing up, but the symptoms are alleviated when walking.
This patient’s symptoms were most likely caused by spinal stenosis.
Because the symptoms improve when she starts walking, it is likely that the symptoms will be alleviated by improving the blood circulation.
We suggested that the patient should improve his blood circulation by visiting our clinic for rehabilitation, soaking in the bathtub, and using the sauna, and incorporate these activities into his daily life as much as he can.
We hope that the patient will continue his rehabilitation activities to the extent that he does not overwork himself, as he has worked out his own daily rhythm.
* 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
