Excessive Work in Youth Can Lead to Spinal Stenosis

Patient Information

Man in his 70s

Diseases & Symptoms

• Spinal Canal Stenosis
• Sciatica

Patient Condition

The patient has worked as a car mechanic since his youth, and in his 20s, he started his own business and worked tirelessly. Around the age of 60, he started experiencing sciatic nerve pain and retired at 63. His plans to enjoy the rest of his life by traveling and fishing were hindered by his sciatic pain, which even made it difficult to go to the nearby supermarket. The patient came to our clinic and said, “What was all this hard work for?”

Examination Results and Diagnosis

The MRI examination shows that the discs in the lower spine have worn out, and the spinal canal through which the nerves in the legs pass is narrowed. The patient was diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis due to excessive work strain.

Treatment Procedure

DRT (Disc Regenerative Therapy)

Since the patient had been suffering nerve damage for more than 10 years, we performed treatment using the DRT method. I myself have also undergone this treatment.

The patient lay prone on the treatment table, and we began the procedure. At the patient's request, we used only local anesthesia for the DRT procedure without sedatives.

The disc shrinkage caused bone deformation, which made it difficult to insert the catheter. We used a a flexible NST needle designed for disc treatment.

I am explaining the examination and treatment methods to the patient.

The examination inside the disc showed some damaged areas. After that, we proceeded with DRT treatment.

The photo on the left is before the treatment, and the photo on the right is after. The treatment took 23 minutes. When leaving, the patient's sciatic nerve pain had decreased by about 50%, and he looked very pleased.

Message from the Director

The spine is a part of the body that is easily worn out. If constantly burdened with excessive loads, it can be damaged, leading to disc herniation and spinal canal stenosis. Although we live in an era of 100-year lifespans, a life filled with pain and an inability to walk is not a life fully lived.

In the United States, it was found that soldiers suffering from sciatica due to heavy military duties have an increased suicide rate. Therefore, since last April, veterans have been able to receive the Discseel Procedure at no cost through government insurance. Unfortunately, in Japan, insurance is still hard to obtain because this treatment license is not yet available.

Yesterday, a former teacher of mine from my time in the cardiology department came to receive the Discseel Procedure. I felt honored; though I cannot reveal his name, he is a well-known doctor in the Kansai region.

Today, the Hanshin Tigers will begin a three-game series against the league leaders, the Giants. We can only hope for a win. Go Tigers!