Treatment Case Studies
& Blog

Column Treatment Case Report No. 129| ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)

April 22, 2025

The patient

A female patient in her 40s.

The patient’s medical history to date

The patient has been experiencing acute low back pain repeatedly.

One month ago, she was rushed to the emergency room due to such acute back pain.

She was diagnosed with disc herniation. Surgery is not recommended in her case.

The patient came to our clinic to improve his symptoms.

Symptoms before treatment

The patient has occasional numbness in the lower limbs while sleeping, and wakes up 2 to 3 times during the night as a result.

Turning over in bed: somewhat difficult

Standing up: somewhat difficult

Washing one’s face: somewhat difficult

Prolonged standing or sitting posture: very difficult

Prolonged sitting: very difficult

Lifting and carrying heavy objects: very difficult

・Pain levels before treatment

Lower backLower limbsNumbnessButtocks
Pain level7167

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, buttocks

Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination

Imaging and findings

  • L4/5 – disc degeneration, protrusion
  • L5/s – disc degeneration, disc herniation

The above findings were also observed on the imaging.

Findings show that the compression of the spinal canal on disc L4/5 and 5/s is the probable cause of the symptoms.

Treatment

After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L4/5 and 5/s.

The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Kotera.

The treatment took about 30 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