Column Treatment Progress Report No.59: A Patient Who Improved at Our Clinic After A Surgery With No Result at Another Clinic
August 15, 2023
The patient
A female patient in her 60s.
Treated in November 2022. About 9 months have passed since the treatment.
Symptoms and treatments to date
This patient exhibited disc herniation in the area indicated by the red frame (disc L1/2).
In addition, spinal canal stenosis was observed on discs L2/3 and 3/4.
Fusion surgery was performed on disc L4/5 in the past.
Pre-treatment medical history and treatments to date
50 years ago, the patient was hospitalized for disc herniation.
30 years ago, she underwent fusion surgery for disc herniation on L4/5.
In 2015, she was diagnosed with disc herniation on disc L1/2. She underwent a discectomy the following year.
In 2018, her condition recurred. A treatment using endoscopy was performed.
In 2022, she suddenly felt pain in her right lower back when leaning forward.
She came to our clinic for treatment after learning about us.
Treatment
Treatment was performed on the L1/2, 2/3, and 3/4 intervertebral discs with the Cellgel Method.
Post-treatment progress
The following is a chart in which the patient rated the pain value of each area 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 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 2 |
| 1 week after treatment | 5 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| 1 month after treatment | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 months after treatment | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 6 months after treatment | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
The following is feedback from the patient when contacted for follow-up.
After one week, the pain in the lower back had decreased by about half, but the numbness in the soles of the feet was still present.
After one month, the pain in the lower back and the numbness in the toes remained, but the overall condition was improving.
After 3 months, the pain in the lower back remained as before, and the back felt a little stiff.
After 6 months, the pain in the lower back is gone and the overall condition has improved. A little numbness remains in the left toes.
Since the pain level in her lower back had not decreased significantly post-treatment, we suggested rehabilitation exercises that she could do at home. It was a long process, but the overall pain level eventually decreased, which proved to be a positive development.
The numbness may alternate between getting better and worse while the disc repairing process is under way.
We believe that it will improve with time, and in the meantime we hope that the patient will continue her rehabilitation exercises at home.
* 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
