Column Treatment Case Report No. 254｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
September 9, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 20s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In her early 20s, the patient worked in the nursing care industry and experienced an episode of acute lower back pain. Her symptoms improved with acupuncture treatment.
In June 2026, she suddenly developed lower back pain, which gradually spread across a wider area.
She visited an orthopedic clinic and was told that the condition was an age-related phenomenon in which the disc loses water content and wears down the intervertebral discs.
She started training as advised, but she felt that her symptoms were gradually getting worse.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7.5 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
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.
Bending forward: no aggravation
Bending backward: no aggravation
Lasegue test: positive
Point of tenderness: positive
Intermittent claudication: positive
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Daily activities: Low back pain, and occasional numbness in both toes.
Symptoms worsen when sitting for a long time.
Imaging and findings
- L4/5: Annular tear
- L5/S: Disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・An annular tear at L4/L5 and a herniated disc at L5/S1 were identified and were considered likely contributors to the patient’s primary symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Suematsu.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The treatment took about 25 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
