Column Treatment Case Report No. 73｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
July 6, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 40s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Symptoms first appeared during high school while sleeping under a kotatsu (heated table). Experienced acute low back pain once every few years (none in his 20s).
The patient previously visited an osteopathic clinic. Symptoms gradually worsened in his 30s, and two years ago, symptoms developed at the base of the lower extremities (hip joint/groin region).
Discopathy was diagnosed at a local clinic and he was recommended nerve block injections. Seeking symptomatic relief through fundamental treatment, the patient decided to visited our clinic instead.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 3 | 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: both sides of the lower back, hip joint on the right side.
Bending forward: no aggravation
Bending backward: lower back pain
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: negative
Intermittent claudication: positive
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
The patient occasionally goes for a run.
Imaging and findings
L1/2: Nothing unusual
L2/3: Nothing unusual
L3/4: Degenerative disc disease, right foraminal stenosis, endplate degeneration
L4/5: Degenerative disc disease, annular tear
L5/S: Nothing unusual
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Degenerative disc disease, foraminal stenosis, endplate degeneration, and annulus fibrosus tearing were observed at L3/4 and L4/5, which are highly likely to be the root causes of the primary symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L3/4 and 4/5.
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
