Column Treatment Case Report No. 78｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
July 27, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 50s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In 2023, following exercise restrictions after the removal of a gynecological polyp, she began to experience discomfort while jogging—having had no prior history of back pain or symptoms. She subsequently attended rehabilitation, but her condition worsened, with intensifying pain in her legs and buttocks. Six months ago, imaging revealed spinal canal stenosis, and spinal fusion surgery was suggested. Hearing that fusion surgery could lead to painful complications, she decided against undergoing surgery.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 10 | 3 | 10 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: bilateral lower back, posterior and lateral sides of left leg extending to the little toe, bilateral buttocks.
Bending forward: no aggravation
Bending backward: pain in both sides of the lower back
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: negative
Intermittent claudication: negative
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Walking.
Imaging and findings
- L1/2: No abnormal findings
- L2/3: Mild disc degeneration
- L3/4: Mild disc degeneration
- L4/5: Mild spinal canal stenosis and disc degeneration
- L5/S: Lumbar disc herniation, disc degeneration, and annular tear
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
It was determined highly likely that mild spinal canal stenosis, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, and anullar tear at L4/5 and L5/S are the main cause of the primary symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L4/5 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
