Column Treatment Case Report No. 207｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
May 21, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Around 2015, the patient experienced back pain while cleaning the house. She visited a local orthopedic surgeon and was diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. Symptoms improved after rehabilitation.
Around 2024, she developed a strained back while cleaning the bath. She saw an orthopedic surgeon, and her symptoms were alleviated after medication and rehabilitation, although not completely.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
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.
Bending forward: no change
Bending backward: pain aggravated on the lower back
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: L3/4 on the left side, 4/5 on both sides
Intermittent claudication: negative
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Symptoms aggravated during housework performed in a leaning posture.
Imaging and findings
- L-3/4,4/5,5/s- disc degeneration
- L-4- Anterolisthesis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L3/4,4/5,5/s- disc degeneration and foraminal stenosis were observed, and are the probable cause of the symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Minowa.
This is an image of the patient’s back after the Discogel injection.
The treatment took about 20 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
