Column Treatment Case Report No. 241｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
April 8, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In December 2025, the patient experienced a sudden onset of lower back pain.
She visited a local orthopedic clinic and was monitored with medication, but her condition did not improve.
She sought treatment at our clinic after searching for advanced medical alternatives.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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.
Bending forward: aggravation of pain
Bending backward: no aggravation
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: none
Intermittent claudication: positive after walking 100m
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Symptoms worsen when in a forward-leaning posture.
Imaging and findings
- L5/S: Lumbar disc herniation
- L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, L5/S: Disc degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・The disc herniation at L5/S was considered highly likely to be the primary cause of the patient’s symptoms.
・Disc degeneration at L3/4 and L4/5 was also identified, and treatment at these levels was performed with a preventive intention.
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. Suematsu.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The treatment took about 40 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by her own means.
Our Clinics’ Treatment
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
