Column Treatment Case Report No. 153｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
July 01, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had never had any back pain problems before.
Two months ago, he had to carry 50 heavy blocks every day.
One month ago, he experienced pain after prolonged standing.
Painkillers did not help, and when that happened, even sitting a little hurt.
He went to physical therapy, which helped, but other than that, he was almost bedridden.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Turning over in bed: no problem
Standing up: no problem
Washing one’s face: somewhat difficult
Prolonged standing and mid-back posture: somewhat difficult
Prolonged sitting: very difficult
Lifting and carrying heavy objects: Unknown because the patient has not carried anything since the onset of symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: left buttocks.
Bending forward: pain when performing the movement
Bending backward: pain when performing the movement
Lasegue test: pain in the right buttock at a 70 degree angle on the right
MMT: full
Point of tenderness: L3/4 and 4/5 on the right
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, 3/4, 5/s – disc degeneration
- L4/5 – disc degeneration, disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Findings show that spinal canal compression on disc L4/5 is the most likely cause of the symptoms.
Findings show that disc L2/3, 3/4, and 5/s are also possible causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Maruyama.
The treatment took about 40 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
