Column Treatment Case Report No. 134｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
May 10, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient’s pain has gradually aggravated over the past 5 years. It is currently at its worst level.
He was told at another clinic that the pain was caused because the discs had lost their volume and the bones were coming in contact with each other as a result.
Currently, he is having massage before sleep, acupuncture, and painkillers and is monitoring his condition.
The painkillers are only effective for a short time.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Low back pain, buttock pain, numbness and pain in both lower limbs (predominantly on the left side).
Turning over in bed: somewhat difficult
Standing up: no problem
Washing one’s face: no problem
Prolonged semi-crouched and standing position: very difficult
Prolonged sitting: no problem
Lifting and carrying heavy objects: somewhat difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 8 | 6 | 10 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: lower back, both lower limbs.
Bending backward: no change
Bending forward: restricted mobility due to lower back concerns
Lasegue test: negative
Lumbar point of tenderness: mildly aggravated at L3/4, 4/5, and 5/s on the left side
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/s – disc degeneration, protrusion
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Findings show that the compression of the spinal canal on discs L2/3, 3/4, 4/5, and 5/s is the likely cause of the symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ohara.
The treatment took about 85 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by himself.
Our clinic’s treatment method
Additional information about the Cellgel method we have introduced in this column.
Cost of the Cellgel method: 1,320,000 yen per area (including tax) to 1,760,000 yen per 5 areas (including tax)
Risks and side effects of the Cellgel method: Transient pain may occur after treatment. Nerve damage is not a zero possibility due to the very nature of the treatment, but there have been no reports of damage so far in either report cases or publications. There is a very small possibility of allergic reactions to local anesthetics. 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 retracts the surrounding tissues. In addition, if the disc is almost completely collapsed, treatment may be difficult. The doctor hold a consultation with you during your visit to the clinic to determine the best treatment option for your condition.
For more detailed information, please refer to the following links:
Blog page explaining the Cellgel Method in an easy-to-understand manner
The Cellgel Method on our treatment methods page
This article was written by the Administrative Director of our clinic
