Column Treatment Case Report No. 170| ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
August 27, 2025
Patient Profile
Age/Sex: Male, 60s
Medical History
About 8 months ago, symptoms suddenly appeared whenever the patient adopted a forward-bending posture.
Diagnosed with spondylolisthesis at another hospital.
Underwent rehabilitation, traction therapy, electrotherapy, chiropractic, and acupuncture, but no improvement.
Visited our clinic for further treatment.
Pre-treatment symptoms
symptoms in the legs have subsided for the present time.
Daily Movements
Turning over in bed: somewhat difficult
Standing up: easy
Washing his face (bending forward): somewhat difficult
Maintaining half-bent or standing posture: somewhat difficult
Prolonged sitting: somewhat difficult
Lifting/holding heavy objects: somewhat difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pain level | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Pain Level (0 = none, 10 = worst possible)
Main area of symptoms: lower back

Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings

- L1/2, L2/3: disc degeneration, protrusion
- L3/4: disc degeneration, protrusion, spinal canal stenosis
- L4/5, L5/S: disc degeneration, disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Findings show that the compression of the spinal canal on discs L1/2 to 5/s is the probable cause of the symptoms.
Treatment
After consultation with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on discs L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Kotera.

Duration of treatment: approximately 55 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home unaided.
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