After six months of treatment, the male patient in his 60s can now walk without a cane

Patient Information

60s, Male

Disease/Symptoms

• Sciatica
• FBSS (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome)

December 16, 2023: Consultation

The patient underwent surgery (posterior fixation) in 2020. After the surgery, around December 2021, sciatic nerve pain in the left leg returned, making walking difficult, and he had to use a cane. When visiting our clinic, the patient had a decrease in muscle strength in the left leg, and damage around the spinal disc where fixation was placed had worsened, leading to a diagnosis of FBSS (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome), and DRT treatment was carried out in December.

July 13, 2024: Follow-up Visit

The sciatic pain in the left leg has disappeared, but there is still a tingling sensation from the sole of the foot to the calf. However, the patient reported that he can now walk without a cane.

Pain Scale

Examination

The X-ray image before treatment shows some parts of the spine fixed with screws.

The MRI image shows the L5/S disc that was not fixed is compressed. This is considered the cause of the recurring sciatic nerve pain.

Treatment

DRT Method (Disc Regeneration Therapy)

The DRT treatment was carried out on the L5/S disc.

Follow-up Visit

The X-ray image after 6 months of treatment.

The MRI image after 6 months of treatment.

Diagnostic Results

The goal of this examination was to improve the numbness, but it was explained that the numbness in the lower limbs is most likely a residual symptom. Regarding the numbness, it was also explained that, in addition to oral medication, there are SCS (spinal cord stimulation therapy) and STR (supernatant stem cell culture therapy).

Notes from the Clinic Director

Although Discseel and DRT treatments are effective in addressing back pain and sciatica, the success rate is only around 73% for sensory disorders such as tingling. This is because there is likely nerve damage as a side effect. To address the tingling, special nerve treatment may be needed, and stem cell therapy is being trialed overseas. We can also refer patients for this treatment, so feel free to consult with us.

Yesterday, the Hanshin Tigers lost, so I felt a little down in the morning. However, it didn’t affect the examination schedule, of course, hehe.