Column Treatment Case Report No. 66｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
June 8, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 50s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient developed lower back pain, likely triggered by prolonged periods of weeding. During his 40s, he also experienced lower back pain after lifting a heavy object. Rather than a lumbago, it felt more like a persistent feeling of discomfort.
No specific diagnosis was given during initial clinic visits. Later, an MRI scan revealed nerve compression, and he was diagnosed with lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Symptoms occasionally worsen when sitting down, though not all the time.
He is currently undergoing follow-up observation at a local orthopedic clinic, managed with oral medication and a medical corset.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 5 | 2 | 2 | 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, buttocks, and left lower limb pain
Bending forward: no aggravation
Bending backward: no aggravation
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: negative
Intermittent claudication: negative
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
The patient did not engage in regular exercise.
Imaging and findings
L1/2: Nothing unusual
L2/3: Nothing unusual
L3/4: Nothing unusual
L4/5: Disc degeneration, spondylolisthesis
L5/S: Disc degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
The imaging findings demonstrated degenerative disc disease at L4/5 and L5/S1, along with spondylolisthesis at L4/5, which were considered the most likely causes of the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L4/5 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 20 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by his 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
