Column Treatment Case Report No. 155｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
July 08, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient has had a strained back for decades that he developped after carrying a heavy object.
Several years ago, he was diagnosed as having a curved back.
He had back pain for 4 years and underwent surgery for spinal canal stenosis at another hospital, but the pain remained. He now has to walk with a cane.
Block injections did not help much.
The patient became aware of numbness in his lower limbs a couple of years ago. His walking ability is not affected.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Turning over in bed: no problem
Standing up: somewhat difficult
Washing one’s face: no problem
Prolonged standing and semi-crouched position: somewhat difficult
Prolonged sitting: no problem
Liftinging and carrying heavy objects: somewhat difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 痛みの度合い | 7 | 0 | 5 | 3 |
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, lower limbs.
Bending forward: no problem
Bending backward: some limitations due to pain
Lasegue test: a sticking sensation appears in the posterior thighs at about 60 degrees on both sides.
Lumbar point of tenderness: aggravated on disc L3/4 on both sides
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/s – disc degeneration, protrusion, spinal canal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Findings show that the compression of the spinal canal on discs L2/3, 3/4, 4/5, and 5/s is the likely cause 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. Ohara.
The treatment took about 60 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
