Column Treatment Case Report No. 248｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
June 24, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient first experienced an episode of acute low back pain in her 30s, which was resolved with treatment.
In 2021, she developed recurrent low back pain and visited a local orthopedic clinic, where she was diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis. Conservative treatment was recommended, and her condition was managed symptomatically.
In 2025, her low back pain recurred. Although medication temporarily relieved her symptoms, she experienced adverse effects and was unable to continue the treatment comfortably.
Seeking an alternative treatment option, she researched available therapies and visited our clinic.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
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, knees.
Bending forward: no aggravation
Bending backward: no aggravation
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: L3
Intermittent claudication: negative
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Symptoms worsen at the onset of walking.
Imaging and findings
- L3/4, L4/5: Spinal canal stenosis.
- L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1: Intervertebral disc degeneration.
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・Imaging confirms spinal canal stenosis at L3/4 and L4/5, which is highly likely to be the primary cause of her main 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. Minowa.
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
