Column Treatment Case Report No. 173｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
September 9, 2025
The patient
Patient: Male, 70s
Medical history
About 13 years ago, during a thorough examination following an emergency ambulance ride due to an episode of dizziness, it was pointed out that he had spinal canal stenosis.
Even though he had some pain and numbness, he decided to monitor the evolution.
About a year ago, the pain and numbness from the buttocks to the left lower limb aggravated.
Symptoms also appeared in the right leg.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Symptoms predominantly on the left side
Turning over in bed: Somewhat difficult
Standing up: Somewhat difficult
Washing face: Somewhat difficult
Maintaining a half-bent posture / prolonged standing: Very difficult
Sitting for long periods: Somewhat difficult
Lifting/holding heavy objects: Very difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 8 | 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, lower limbs.
Forward bending: Possible but painful
Backward bending: More restricted than forward bending
Lasègue’s sign: At about 60°on both sides, mild tightness in buttocks
Lumbar tenderness: At L3/4, L4/5 (left)
Coughing/sneezing: No effect
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L1/2, L2/3, L5/S – Disc degeneration, protrusion
- L3/4 – Disc degeneration, protrusion, foraminal stenosis
- L4/5 – Disc degeneration, protrusion, foraminal stenosis, spinal canal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
The compression of the spinal canal caused on discs L3/4 and L4/5 is considered the most likely cause of the symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L3/4 and 4/5.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ohara.
The treatment took about 30 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
