Column Treatment Case Report No. 271 | ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
October 2, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient’s symptoms began 5 years ago.
Three years ago, he underwent surgery for spinal canal stenosis. The nerve pain improved, but the lower back pain did not.
When standing up, he experienced pain extending from his lower back to the upper part of his buttocks.
He was able to exercise without difficulty, but for several days after exercising, the pain would become so severe that he could barely move.
He visited our clinic seeking relief from these symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning over in bed: Easy
Standing up: Easy
Washing the face: Easy
Stooping posture / standing for a prolonged time: Easy
Sitting for a long time: Slightly difficult
Lifting or holding heavy objects: Easy
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of symptoms: lower back and buttocks, lower limbs.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3: Disc degeneration, bulging, loss of disc height, foraminal stenosis
- L3/4: Disc degeneration, bulging, loss of disc height, foraminal stenosis, retrolisthesis, post-laminectomy
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, bulging, loss of disc height, foraminal stenosis, endplate degeneration, post-laminectomy
- L5/s: Disc degeneration, bulging, foraminal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal associated with the disc abnormalities at L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S was considered the most likely cause of the patient’s 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 30 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient walked out of the clinic on his own.
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
