Column Treatment Case Report No. 180｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
September 30, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 40s, from China.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had suffered from acute low back pain (strained back) once or twice a year since his 30s.
Two years ago, he experienced severe low back pain and right leg pain that made him unable to walk.
One year ago, he underwent surgical intervention. Although he regained the ability to walk, numbness in his leg persisted.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning in bed: easy
Standing up: easy
Washing face: very difficult
Prolonged half-crouched or standing position: somewhat difficult
Prolonged sitting: somewhat difficult
Lifting/holding heavy objects: somewhat difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
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, right leg.
Bending forward: Feeling stiffer than before
Bending backward: no change
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: L3/4, 4/5, 5/s
Coughing and sneezing: a little aggravating
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, L5/S: disc degeneration and protrusion
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal caused by degenerative changes at L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S is the most likely source of 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 45 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
