Column Treatment Case Report No. 13｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
November 17, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Approximately 10 years ago, the patient fell on stairs and severely struck her lower back, after which she was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis.
Around 5 years ago, she developed leg pain and numbness and was diagnosed with lumbar spinal canal stenosis.
When walking, numbness and pain gradually increase until she can no longer continue.
She can walk for about 5–10 minutes using a cart.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 5 | 8 | 10 | 9 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: Both sides of the lower back, both anterior/posterior lower limbs, and both buttocks.
Bending forward: no aggravation
Bending backward: no aggravation
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: L4/5 on both sides
Intermittent claudication: positive
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Does not exercise, and works in a standing position
Imaging and findings
L1/2: Nothing unusual
L2/3: Disc degeneration
L3/4: Disc degeneration, disc herniation
L4/5: Disc degeneration, spondylolisthesis, spinal canal stenosis, foraminal stenosis
L5/S: Disc degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
The disc degeneration and spinal stenosis at L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S are highly likely to be the primary causes of her symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ban.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Iwasaki
The treatment took about 40 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
