Column Treatment Case Report No. 167｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
August 16, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 50s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had a history of being prone to acute low back pain.
Approximately 8 years ago, after hitting her head while standing up, numbness appeared in both upper and lower limbs.
She monitored the condition for a while but eventually underwent cervical spine surgery.
Post-cervical surgery, there was significant improvement, but numbness persisted. The possibility of a lumbar-related cause was suggested.
About a year and a half ago, she underwent PLDD at another clinic, but symptoms remained. She has been monitoring the condition while using a brace.
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: no problem
Maintaining a bent-over posture or standing: somewhat difficult
Prolonged sitting: somewhat difficult
Lifting and carrying heavy objects: somewhat difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
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, both lower limbs.
Bending forward: no limitation of the range of motion, but slight pain in the lower back/buttock on the left side
Bending backward: no limitation of the range of motion
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness:
Lumbar point of tenderness: mild, L5/S1 on the left side
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, L3/4, L4/5 – disc degeneration, protrusion
- L5/S1 – disc degeneration, disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Findings show that spinal canal compression on discs L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 is the probable 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 40 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
