Treatment Case Studies
& Blog

Column Treatment Case Report No. 126| ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)

April 12, 2025

The patient

A female patient in her 60s.

The patient’s medical history to date

The patient has had chronic low back pain since the age of 24.

About 10 years ago, the pain in her calf and foot aggravated.

She researched the cause of the pain for some time, but it remained unknown.

Recently, after an x-ray was taken at another hospital, it was pointed out to her that her intervertebral disc had narrowed, and that this was the cause of her back pain.

The patient came to our clinic to improve her symptoms.

Symptoms before treatment

Numbness predominantly in the left lower leg.

Symptoms intensified when standing.

Turning over in bed: somewhat difficult.

Standing up: somewhat difficult

Washing one’s face: no problem

Prolonged standing and semi-crouched position: extremely difficult

Prolonged sitting: no problem

Lifting and carrying heavy objects: extremely difficult

・Pain levels before treatment

Lower backLower limbsNumbnessButtocks
Pain level22100

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, both lower limbs.

Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination

Imaging and findings

  • L1/2, 2/3: disc degeneration, protrusion
  • L3/4, 4/5: disc degeneration, protrusion, foraminal stenosis

The above findings were also observed on the imaging.

Findings show that the compression of the spinal canal in discs L3/4 and 4/5 is the most probable cause of the symptoms.

Treatment

After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L3/4 and 4/5.

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)

*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