Column Treatment Case Report No. 122｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
April 3, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 60s
The patient’s medical history to date
He used to suffer from a strained back about once a year.
His back pain and buttock pain have aggravated in the last two years.
The patient came to our clinic to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Symptoms predominant on the left side.
Turning over in bed: no problem
Standing up: Somewhat difficult
Washing one’s face: no problem
Semi- crouched posture, prolonged standing: very difficult
Prolonged sitting: somewhat difficult
Lifting and holding heavy objects: very difficult
・ Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
| Pain level | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
No pain at all, it is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as10.
Major areas of pain and numbness: left lower back to the lower limbs.
Bending forward: no problem
Bending backward : no problem
Lasegue test: no problem
MMT: full
Lumbar point of tenderness: L3/4, 4/5, 5/s
Coughing & sneezing: No aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L1/2, 2/3 – mild disc degeneration, protrusion
- L3/4 – disc degeneration, protrusion
- L4/5, 5/s – disc degeneration, protrusion, disc herniation, bilateral foraminal stenosis
- L5 – degenerative anterolisthesis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Findings on discs L3/4, 4/5, 5/s showed that compression of the spinal canal is the most probable cause of the back pain.
The effects on discs L1/2, 2/3 were not found to be significant at this point.
Treatment
After consultation with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on discs L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Maruyama.
The treatment took about 55 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)
*Cost for this particular patient’s case: Cellgel Method performed on 5 sites = 1,760,000 yen (including tax)
Risks and side effects of the Cellgel Method: transient pain may occur after treatment. Although nerve damage is not non-existent due to the very nature of the treatment, 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 aggravate 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 will discuss with the patient during their visit to the clinic to determine the best treatment option for the 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 page of our treatment
This article was written by the Administrative Director of our clinic
