Column Treatment Case Report No. 183｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
October 10, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient developed pain and numbness in both lower limbs starting 3 years ago, without any specific known cause.
He also reported pain extending from the lower back to the buttocks.
The pain is present even without walking but gradually worsens upon starting to walk. He notes that the pain is particularly severe in the morning.
He had previously been diagnosed with lumbar spinal canal stenosis at another hospital.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning over in bed: Easy
Standing up: Some difficulty
Bending forward (washing face): Some difficulty
Maintaining a half-bent or standing posture: Very difficult
Prolonged sitting: Very difficult
Lifting or holding heavy objects: Very difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 6 | 10 | 9 | 10 |
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.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3: Disc degeneration
- L3/4, L4/5: Disc degeneration, spinal canal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
These findings indicated compression of the spinal canal at L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5, which was considered the most likely cause of the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L12/3, 3/4 and 4/5.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 25 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
