Column Treatment Case Report No. 67｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
June 11, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Numbness started approximately 10 years ago. Dull pain began 3 years ago. Numbness worsens when sitting.
Previously diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis at L4/5. However, he was told it “wasn’t that severe” and was prescribed painkillers, which provided no improvement. He was also advised to improve his blood circulation. While applying Loxonin patches (LOQOA tape) provided some relief, he used it only sparingly because it caused skin rashes.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 0 | 7 | 8 | 5 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Primary Areas of Pain: Buttocks, back of both thighs, both calves, and numbness in the soles of the feet (more on the left side than on the right).
Bending Forward: No aggravation of the symptoms.
Bending Backward: No aggravation of the symptoms.
Lasègue test: negative
Point of tenderness: Bilateral sacroiliac joints, bilateral sciatic nerves.
Intermittent Claudication: Negative.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Currently plays golf; used to play baseball.
Imaging and findings
L1/2: Nothing unusual.
L2/3: Degeneration.
L3/4: Degeneration, bulging, mild spinal canal stenosis.
L4/5: Degeneration, bulging, annulus fibrosus tear, spinal canal stenosis, bilateral foraminal stenosis.
L5/S1: Degeneration, bulging.
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Lumbar spinal stenosis and bilateral foraminal stenosis at L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1, which were considered the most likely causes of the patient’s primary symptoms.
Treatment
Following a consultation with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on the affected areas.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Ban.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The treatment was completed in approximately 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
