Column Treatment Case Report No. 118| ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
March 25, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
2 years ago, the patient started having left lumbar pain and right lower limb pain and numbness.
No symptoms in the morning, but pain becomes stronger in the evening and later.
Spinal canal stenosis suspected at another clinic.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Aggravation when leaning forward and with prolonged walking.
Turning in bed: no problem
Standing up: somewhat difficult
Washing one’s face: no problem
Prolonged standing and semi-crouched posture: somewhat difficult
Prolonged sitting: no problem
Lifting and carrying heavy objects: somewhat difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pain level | 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the greatest possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: lower back to the right lower extremity

Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings

- L1/2, 2/3 – disc degeneration
- L3/4, 5/s – disc degeneration, protrusion
- L4/5 – disc degeneration, protrusion, mild spinal canal stenosis, mild foraminal stenosis of the right intervertebral foramen
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Disc findings show compression of the spinal canal on disc L4/5 is the most probable cause of the symptoms.
Treatment
After consultation with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on discs L4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Kotera.

The treatment took about 25 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by herself.
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