Column Treatment Case Report No. 54｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
April 23, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 50s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient has experienced occasional episodes of strained back since his 20s. At worst, it occurred twice a year, but it was managed through conservative observation. In February 2025, he underwent endoscopic surgery for disc herniation at a local clinic, which successfully eliminated his pain. He remained on bed rest for four months post-operation, but upon resuming golf, numbness emerged in his right lower leg (anterior side). Additionally, when lying on his back, pain occurs in his right thigh. In November, an MRI was performed at a local clinic, and he is currently under observation with prescribed analgesics.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: pain and numbness on the anterior aspect below the right knee
Bending forward: no aggravation
Bending backward: triggers discomfort in the right thigh
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1
Intermittent claudication: negative
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Workouts and walking exercises at the gym
Imaging and findings
L1/2: Disc degeneration and disc bulging
L2/3: Disc degeneration and disc bulging
L3/4: Disc degeneration and disc bulging
L4/5: Disc degeneration and lumbar disc herniation
L5/S1: Disc degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
At L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1, disc degeneration, lumbar disc herniation, and disc bulging were identified and considered highly likely to be the primary causes of the patient’s 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 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
