Column Treatment Progress No.177: A Patient Who Experienced Lower Back Pain and Numbness Caused by Spinal Stenosis
August 6, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 30s
Treated in February 2024. Approximately 12 months have passed since the treatment.
Symptoms and treatments to date
This patient had spinal canal sgtenosis in the areas indicated by the red frame (L/5).
Pre-treatment medical history and treatments to date
During his junior high school years playing soccer, the patient experienced lower back pain.
In 2024, he developed lower back pain and numbness in his left lower limb. He visited a local orthopedic clinic and was diagnosed with disc herniation. He was placed on medication and put under observation.
While symptoms improved somewhat, the patient visited our clinic for fundamental treatment.
Post-treatment progress
The table below shows the results of the patient’s own evaluation of the pain in each body site on a scale of 0 to 10.
No pain at all is rated as 0 and 10 as the maximum possible pain.
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before treatment | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| 1 week after treatment | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 1 month after treatment | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 3 months after treatment | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 months after treatment | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The following is feedback from the patient when contacted for follow-up.
After 1 week: Overall symptoms had eased, but he still felt discomfort in the left lower limb.
After 1 month: No longer felt lower back pain when standing up from a chair. Pain in the left lower limb while walking has disappeared, but numbness remained.
After 3 months: Pain and numbness symptoms had disappeared.
After 6 months: Similar to the 3-month mark; patient is living free of symptoms.
In this particular case, it is highly probable that spinal canal stenosis was the primary cause of the symptoms.
Both L4/5 intervertebral foramina were narrowed, matching the areas where lower limb pain and numbness symptoms originated.
Additionally, a crack was observed in the L5/S intervertebral disc. As it was highly likely to be the cause of past lower back pain, treatment was administered accordingly.
* It takes approximately 3 weeks to 3 months to see the full effects of the treatment.
* Effects in the treatment may vary according to individual differences. Please be aware that there is a possibility that the exact same effects may not be replicated every time.
Our clinic’s treatment method
Here is some additional information about the Cellgel method that we have presented here.
Cost of the Cellgel method: 1,320,000 yen per site (including tax) to 1,760,000 yen for 5 sites (including tax)
Cost for this patient’s case: Cellgel performed in 2 areas = 1,430,000 yen (including tax)
Risks and side effects of the Cellgel method: Transient pain may occur after treatment. Due to the very nature of the treatment, the possibility of nerve damage is not zero, but so far there have been no reports of damage in either reported cases or publications. There is a very small possibility of allergic reactions to the local anesthetic. 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 pulls in the surrounding tissues. Also, if the disc is almost completely worn out, it may not be possible to treat it. The doctor will consult with you during your visit to determine the best treatment option for your condition.
For more detailed information, please refer to the following links:
Column page explaining the Cellgel method in an easy-to-understand manner
Page of the Cellgel procedure at our clinic
This article was written by the administrative Director of our clinic
