Column Treatment Progress Report No.69: A Patient Whose Back Condition Temporarily Deteriorated Following Treatment Due to Excessive Muscle Training
September 27, 2023
The patient
A male patient in his 70s
Treated in January 2023. About 8 months have passed since the treatment.
Symptoms and treatments until now
This patient had disc herniation in the area indicated by the red frame (disc L1/2).
Disc degeneration in discs L2/3 to L4/5 was also observed.
Pre-treatment medical history and treatments
The patient has had two previous strained back episodes.
In December 2022, he visited a local orthopedic surgeon due to pain in his lower back and was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis. He was treated with medication and pain patches, but the pain did not subside.
He came to our clinic seeking improvement of his condition.
His walking ability is not affected.
Treatment
The patient underwent treatment using the cellgel Method for a total of 4 intervertebral discs (L1/2, 2/3, 3/, 4/5).
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 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 week after treatment | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 month after treatment | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 months after treatment | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 6 months after treatment | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The following is feedback from the patient when contacted for follow-up.
After one week, the patient was in pain when stepping out of the house and could only walk with a gait limited in amplitude.
After one month, there was no change in the symptoms.
After 3 months, the patient made the mistake of doing high intensity muscle training, and a feeling of fatigue appeared in his lower back area as a result.
After 6 months, the patient is symptom-free and his previous walking speed has returned. He only feels a little pain in his lower back when he feels tired.
This patient is used to performing muscle training and other physical activities on a regular basis.
3 months after the treatment, when his lower back was geting in better condition than before the treatment, he decided to increase his muscle training workload, which resulted in some discomfort in his lower back.
Since the cellgel Method mode of operation is to gradually repair the intervertebral discs over time, we would like you to remind you not to overwork yourself during training sessions, as in some cases, a high workout regimen may result in pain and fatigue.
After 6 months, the patient was able to once again actively engage in demanding exercises such as tai chi and yoga. We sincerely hope that the patient will be able to lead a life devoid of back pain from now on.
* 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
