Column Treatment Case Report No. 238｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
May 15, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 40s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient has a history of several past episodes of an acute strained back.
She previously visited another hospital where she was diagnosed with disc herniation and managed with medical compresses, oral analgesics, and nerve block injections.
Most recently, one month ago, she experienced sudden pain radiating from her lower back to her right buttocks upon standing up.
She sought evaluation at another medical facility and was diagnosed with degenerative spondylolisthesis, which was managed using compresses, painkillers, and a medical corset.
She visited our clinic seeking fundamental symptomatic improvement.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Rolling over in bed: Moderately difficult
Standing up: Moderately difficult
Washing face (leaning forward): Extremely difficult
• Maintaining a bent posture or standing position: Moderately difficult
Prolonged sitting: Extremely difficult
Lifting/holding heavy objects: Extremely difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main area of pain and numbness: from the lower back to the right leg.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L3/4: Disc degeneration, bulging disc, degenerative spondylolisthesis
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, lumbar disc herniation
- L5/S1: Disc degeneration, bulging disc
These findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal caused by abnormalities at L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 was considered the most likely source of symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L3/4, 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 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
