Column Treatment Case Report No. 20｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
December 15, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Approximately 20 years ago, the patient experienced an episode where he was unable to get out of bed due to back pain. It improved with acupuncture.Several years later, he again became unable to move. Formerly a truck driver, which contributed to chronic back strain. Legs become numb after walking even a short distance. Symptoms worsen when standing or walking. He was diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis a couple of years ago.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower Back | Lower Limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain score | 10 | 0 | 10 | 10 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Primary Pain Areas: Bilateral lower back, back of both lower limbs, and bilateral buttocks.
Forward Bending: Numbness in the back of both lower limbs.
Backward Bending: Numbness in both thighs.
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: none
Intermittent claudication: positive
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
The patient uses a stationary bike at home.
Imaging and findings
L1/2: Intervertebral disc degeneration
L2/3: Intervertebral disc degeneration, bilateral foraminal stenosis
L3/4: Intervertebral disc degeneration, bilateral foraminal stenosis
L4/5: Intervertebral disc degeneration, bilateral foraminal stenosis, lumbar spinal canal stenosis
L5/S: Intervertebral disc degeneration, intervertebral disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Overall, intervertebral disc degeneration, foraminal stenosis, lumbar spinal canal stenosis, and disc herniation were identified at L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S, and were considered highly likely to be the cause of the patient’s primary 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 Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The treatment took about 50 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
