Column Treatment Case Report No. 158｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
July 22, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 30s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had been aware of sciatic nerve pain and back pain for the past 3 years, but had so far been able to live his life without worrying too much about it.
One year ago, he was diagnosed with disc herniation at another hospital.
He was told that surgical operation was the only treatment option, but he only monitored his condition as he was not comfortable with that idea.
One month ago, he began to feel a very specific type of pain.
He came to our clinic to consider non-surgical treatment options.
Symptoms before treatment
Turning over in bed: somewhat difficult
Standing up: no problem
Washing one’s face: no problem
Prolonged standing and semi-crouched posture: no problem
Prolonged sitting: somewhat difficult
Lifting and carrying heavy objects: somewhat difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: from the lower back on the left side to the left lower limb.
Bending forward: limited due to the pain
Bending backward: no problem
Lasegue test: pain at about a 50 degree angle on the left side
Point of tenderness: none
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L5/s – disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Findings show that the compression of the spinal canal on disc L5/s are the probable cause of the symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ohara.
The treatment took about 25 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
