Column Treatment Case Report No. 210｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
January 23, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient experienced acute low back pain (strained back) approximately seven years ago.
While it improved to some extent with rest, a sense of heaviness and dull pain persisted.
Six months ago, the heaviness intensified, and a visit to a local clinic showed narrowing at the L4/5 level.
His symptoms worsen during prolonged standing or walking.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning over in bed: Easy
Standing up: Slightly difficult
Washing face: Slightly difficult
Maintaining a semi-flexed posture or prolonged standing: Very difficult
Prolonged sitting: Slightly difficult
Lifting or carrying heavy objects: Very difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
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 region
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, L3/4, L4/5: Disc degeneration and disc bulging
- L5/S1: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, annular tear
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
The imaging confirmed disc degeneration and protrusion across multiple levels. It is highly likely that spinal canal compression caused by the disc findings at L2/3, 3/4, 4/5, and L5/S is the primary cause of the 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 our administrative director, Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 30 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
