Column Treatment Case Report No. 265｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
September 4, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had been experiencing lower back pain and unsteadiness while walking for approximately eight years.
Five to six years ago, he underwent surgery for spinal canal stenosis.
Following surgery, his condition improved enough for him to walk up to 5 km. However, approximately three years ago, he began experiencing lower back pain, pain in the lower limbs, and numbness again.
He also continued to experience unsteadiness while walking and needed to stop and rest after walking approximately 500 meters.
He attended regular follow-up appointments every three months and was told that there was no particular problem.
Although repeat surgery is not presently considered, he feels that his symptoms were getting worse.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning over in bed: Slightly difficult
Standing up: Slightly difficult
Washing his face: Slightly difficult
Stooping posture / standing for prolonged periods: Very difficult
Sitting for extended periods: Very difficult
Lifting and carrying heavy objects: Very difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
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, lower limbs.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L1/L2: Disc degeneration and loss of disc height
- L2/L3: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, and postoperative changes following laminectomy
- L3/L4: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, spinal canal stenosis, and postoperative changes following laminectomy
- L4/L5: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, and spinal canal stenosis
- L5/S1: Disc degeneration and disc bulging
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal due to the disc findings at L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S is highly likely to be the cause of the symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 35 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
