Column Treatment Case Report No. 189｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
October 31, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 50s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient’s symptoms began 3 years ago, initially only as low back pain.
Symptoms worsened 1 year ago, and lower limb symptoms appeared, making walking difficult.
She was diagnosed elsewhere with spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis and was told that only surgery would cure it.
She visited our clinic seeking an outpatient treatment option.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Rolling over in bed: Slightly difficult
Standing up: Slightly difficult
Washing face: Slightly difficult
Maintaining a half-bent or standing posture: Extremely difficult
Sitting for long periods: Somewhat difficult
Lifting/holding heavy objects: Extremely difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 |
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 to lower limbs.
Bending forward: presence of pain
Bending backward: presence of pain
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: bilateral L3/4, L4/5, L5/S
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L3/4, L5/S: Disc degeneration, bulging, foraminal stenosis
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, bulging, foraminal stenosis, spinal canal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
These findings indicate that compression caused by disc changes at L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S is the most likely source of the patient’s 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 Dr. Ohara.
The treatment took about 35 minutes.
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
