Column Which is better, the Florence method or the Cellgel method?
Back pain is something everyone has experienced.
When it comes to lower back pain, there are many different types and causes.
Our clinic provides minimally invasive, same-day treatment for various spinal diseases such as spinal canal stenosis and disc herniation. In addition, our clinic only provides treatments for which medical evidence and effectiveness have been confirmed through years of research, papers, and actual treatment results.
This time we will explain the Cellgel method and Florence method that are used at our clinic.
What exactly is the Cellgel Method?
The Cellgel method is a treatment method for lower back pain and neck pain that has been introduced in various countries around the world, mainly in Europe.
Unlike other treatments, the disc volume is not reduced and the gel remains in the disc as a gel-like implant after treatment, allowing the disc to be preserved. Recent research has shown that the volume of intervertebral discs increases slightly after treatment.
It is also believed that by repairing the intervertebral disc and preventing leakage of the nucleus pulposus, the intervertebral disc itself will restore its original normal function through its own regenerative ability.
Advantages of the cellgel method
Due to aging or injury, intervertebral discs no longer maintain their original shape and begin to degenerate. This reduces the function of the intervertebral discs and causes symptoms such as pain. As degeneration progresses, the nucleus pulposus within the disc starts to protrude to the outside, resulting in a herniated disc, which then compresses the spinal canal (spinal canal stenosis), making the spine unstable (lumbar instability), or causing it to shift (spondylolisthesis). When the intervertebral disc collapses, the vertebrae tend to collide with each other, resulting in lumbar spondylosis and degenerative cervical spondylosis. The cellgel method for repairing intervertebral discs can be used to treat diseases caused by intervertebral disc damage.
The treatment time is about 20 to 30 minutes, and after the treatment, you will rest for about 60 minutes before going home, and there is no need for hospitalization. Everything, including the pre-treatment consultation, can be completed in one day.
The cellgel method is performed under local anesthesia, so there is less stress on the body. There are no incisions and the treatment uses thin needles, so the scars are minimal and recovery is quick. Compared to surgery, there are no complications after treatment, and even elderly people can receive treatment.
Diseases treated by the Cellgel Method
The Cellgel method is indicated for lumbar and cervical spine diseases caused by intervertebral disc damage. These include degenerative disc disease and herniated disc.
For example, if you have the following symptoms, the Cellgel method may be suitable for you.
The intervertebral disc is crushed and appears black on the MRI.
Your lower back and buttocks hurt
You have pain and numbness in my feet
You are unable to stand for long periods of time due to pain
The water content in the intervertebral discs has decreased
Numbness or pain in the lower back or buttocks
You can’t sit for a long time because of the pain.
You are unable to walk long distances
*The determination of whether the Cellgel method is suitable is made through MRI diagnosis and medical examinations.
Therapeutic effect of the Cellgel method
Once the crack in the damaged disc is repaired, the nucleus pulposus no longer leaks and no new inflammation occurs. As the inflammation subsides, symptoms such as pain will gradually disappear. Additionally, once the intervertebral disc is repaired, the disc itself restores its original normal function through its own regenerative ability.
With the Cellgel method, the crack is repaired and the nucleus pulposus no longer leaks, which not only improves symptoms but also prevents recurrence.
（Image from M. Bellini, et al. Percutaneous Injection of Radiopaque Gelified Ethanol for the Treatment of Lumbar and Cervical Intervertebral Disk Herniations: Experience and Clinical Outcome in 80 Patients. American Journal of Neuroradiology March 2015, 36 (3)）
What exactly is the Florence Method?
The Florence method is an advanced treatment for spinal stenosis. The Lobster interspinous spacer, developed in Italy in 2015, is used to widen the narrowed spinal canal.
By inserting a Lobster device, it is possible to stabilize the vertebral body while maintaining spinal rotation and flexion, widening the spinal canal, suppressing disc protrusion, and reducing ligamentum flavum thickening. Symptoms such as pain and numbness are resolved by widening the narrowed spinal canal.
Advantages of the Florence method
The Florence method is a minimally invasive treatment with fewer risks. Unlike traditional surgery, it does not reduce the bone or damage the ligaments themselves, so it is much less stressful on the body.
Additionally, since the Florence procedure is performed under local anesthesia and sedation, it can be performed even for patients who cannot undergo normal surgery under general anesthesia.
The treatment time is short, about 30 minutes per area treated, and after about 2 hours of rest after the treatment, you are able to go home the same day. There is no hospitalization required.
Diseases covered by the Florence method
The Florence method is indicated if the following symptoms persist for more than 6 months:
You have pain in your legs and buttocks
You have groin pain
Your lower back hurts
You have intermittent claudication
In terms of disease names, it is indicated for spinal canal stenosis, mild degenerative spondylolisthesis (up to grade 1), and facet joint disease.
*Determination of suitability for treatment will be made after MRI/X-ray diagnosis and medical examination.
Therapeutic effect of Florence method
In spinal canal stenosis, degenerated intervertebral discs and ligaments put pressure on nerves, causing symptoms of pain and numbness.
The Florence method works by inserting a spacer, which relieves pressure on the nerves and improves symptoms such as pain and numbness.
Which is better, the Cellgel method or the Florence method?
Both the Cellgel method and the Florence method are minimally invasive treatment methods that can be carried out on a day-to-day basis.
Since there are various causes of lower back pain, depending on your symptoms, either the Cellgel Method or the Florence Method may be most suitable.
Which treatment method is best suited for the patient will be determined based on a careful examination and imaging tests.
If you are suffering from lower back pain, please consider visiting our clinic.
