Column Treatment Case Report No. 18｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
December 8, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had not previously experienced significant low back issues.
Her husband has a cervical spinal cord injury and uses a wheelchair, and she has been providing long-term caregiving.
May 2025: Began visiting an osteopathic clinic; pain gradually intensified.
2022: Low back pain began to appear during periods of fatigue.
January 2024: Sustained a fracture of the right knee.
May–November 2024: Underwent rehabilitation; low back pain also emerged during this period.
February 2025: Developed pain in both hip joints. A CT scan at another clinic showed no issues.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main pain locations: low back, occasional buttock pain.
Forward Bending: No aggravation.
Backward Bending (Extension): exacerbation of lumbar and hip pain
Lasègue Test: Positive.
Point of Tenderness: spinous processes at L3/4 and L4/5; bilateral tenderness at L3/4, L4/5, L5/S
Intermittent claudication: positive
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Used to walk twice a week before the fracture, but not since.
Imaging and findings
L1/2: Normal
L2/3: Normal
L3/4: Disc degeneration, lumbar instability
L4/5: Disc degeneration, lumbar instability
L5/S: Disc degeneration, endplate degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Significant disc degeneration, instability, and endplate changes at L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S are likely responsible for the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Minowa.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
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
