Column Treatment Case Report No. 3｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
October 6, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient suffered from acute low back pain (strained back) in her 20s and received treatment at a manipulative therapy clinic (chiropractor). 3 years ago, she was diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis. About two weeks prior to her visit, her symptoms suddenly worsened, leading to her becoming bedridden. She received medication at another medical facility before consulting with us.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 |
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 right side, entire right lower leg (anterior side).
Bending forward: no change
Bending backward: no change
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: none
Intermittent claudication: positive
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities: previously active in track and field as a student; currently engaged in household chores
Imaging and findings
L1/2: Degenerative Disc Disease, Bilateral Foraminal Stenosis
L2/3: Degenerative Disc Disease, Right Foraminal Stenosis
L3/4: Degenerative Disc Disease, Bilateral Foraminal Stenosis
L4/5: Degenerative Disc Disease, Bilateral Foraminal Stenosis
L5/S: Degenerative Disc Disease, Bilateral Foraminal Stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
These imaging results indicate disc degeneration and foraminal stenosis from L1/2 to L5/S, highly likely to be the main cause of symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ban.
This is an image of the patient’s back after the Discogel injection.
The treatment took about one hour.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home unaided.
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
