Column Treatment Case Report No. 164｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
August 9, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 50s, from China.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient has been suffering from low back pain for several years.
Symptoms have worsened over the past 2 to 3 years.
2 weeks ago, he was diagnosed with disc herniation and spinal canal stenosis at another hospital.
Surgery was recommended, but he wishes to avoid it.
He came to our clinic in search of a non-surgical treatment option.
Symptoms before treatment
Turning over in bed: no problem
Standing up: no problem
Washing one’s face: no problem
Maintaining a bent-over posture or standing: somewhat difficult
Prolonged sitting: no problem
Lifting/carrying heavy objects: somewhat difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Buttocks | Pain level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 3 | 9 | 8 |
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, left lower limb.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L1/2 – disc degeneration, protrusion
- L2/3, 3/4 – disc degeneration, disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis
- L4/5 – disc degeneration, disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Findings show that compression of the spinal canal on discs L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5 is the most probable cause of the symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L1/2, 2/3, 3/4 and 4/5.
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 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
