Column Treatment Case Report No. 135｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
May 13, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient has been working at a desk for many years.
3 to 4 years ago, she was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis.
Her symptoms improved with medication and medical patches, but she has not taken any medication or used any patches for the last year.
About one year ago, she began to experience increased pain after walking between 200 to 300 m. She visited another hospital, but was only treated on a conservative basis.
She visited another hospital, but was likewise only treated conservatively.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Back pain, buttock pain, and leg pain on the left side when walking.
No numbness.
Turning over in bed: no problem
Standing up: no problem
Washing one’s face: no problem
Prolonged standing and semi-crouched position: no problem
Prolonged sitting: no problem
Lifting and carrying heavy objects: somewhat difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
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 on the left side, lower limbs.
Bending forward: no problem
Bending backward: a little painful
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: none
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3 – disc degeneration, protrusion
- 3/4, 4/5 – disc degeneration, protrusion, spinal canal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Findings show that the compression of the spinal canal on discs L2/3, 3/4, and 4/5 is the probable cause of the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, 3/4 and 4/5.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ohara.
The treatment took about 50 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by herself.
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
