Column Treatment Case Report No. 10｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
November 6, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient has experienced symptoms for approximately four years.
She was previously diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis and scoliosis at another clinic and was advised to undergo surgery one year ago, which she declined.
Currently, pain and numbness radiate intensely from both sides of the lower back during movement, but she experiences no symptoms while sitting.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
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: negative
Point of tenderness: L3/4, L4/5, L5/S
Intermittent claudication: positive
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
The patient is able to walk approximately 1,200 steps daily using a walker.
Imaging and findings
| Level | Findings |
| L1/2 | Normal |
| L2/3 | Degeneration |
| L3/4 | Degeneration, bulging |
| L4/5 | Degeneration, bulging, left foraminal stenosis |
| L5/S | Degeneration, bulging, bilateral foraminal stenosis |
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Findings indicate disc degeneration and foraminal stenosis at L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S,
which are considered the most likely causes of the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ban.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The treatment took about 30 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home unaided.
Our clinic’s treatment method
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
This article was written by the Administrative Director of our clinic
