Column Treatment Case Report No. 223｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
March 17, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 30s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Approximately one year ago, the patient began experiencing a dull pain in the lower back during prolonged standing and walking, along with numbness in the left lower limb.
He reports no symptoms during forward flexion but finds backward extension difficult.
At another clinic, he was diagnosed with disc height loss, lumbar disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.
He has been managed with prescribed analgesics.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning in bed: Easy
Standing up: Slightly difficult
Washing face: Easy
Maintaining a half-bent posture or standing: Slightly difficult
Prolonged sitting: Slightly difficult
Lifting/holding heavy objects: Slightly difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 0 | 7 | 3 |
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
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L4/5, L5/S: Disc degeneration and lumbar disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
These findings suggest that compression of the spinal canal due to disc pathology at L4/5 and L5/S is highly likely to be the cause of symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 20 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
