Column Treatment Case Report No. 115｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
March 15, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 40s, from Australia.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient has had chronic back pain for the past 19 years.
She has had 3 episodes of back strain in the past year. The pain subsided within a few days and she underwent rehabilitation.
3 years ago, she was involved in a traffic accident. Since then, she has been suffering from lumbar back pain, numbness/pain in the right lower extremity, and an occasional burning sensation.
One year later, she took an MRI scan and was diagnosed with mild disc herniation. 2 years of rehabilitation failed to improve her pain.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Symptoms were only on the right side, with almost no symptoms on the left side.
Turning over in bed: extremely difficult
Standing up: somewhat difficult
Washing one’s face: somewhat difficult
Prolonged standing and semi-crouched position: extremely difficult
Prolonged sitting: extremely difficult
Lifting and holding heavy objects: extremely difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
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 limb.
Forward bending: pain is relieved at times
Bending backward: impossible
Lasegue test: pain increases mildly at 70 degrees on the right side
MMT: Full
Point of tenderness in the lumbar region: L5/s on both sides
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L5/s – disc degeneration, mild disc herniation, intervertebral arthritis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Based on disc findings in L5/s, spinal canal compression is the probable cause of the pain.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L5/s.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 45 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by himself.
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
