Column Treatment Case Report No. 184｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
October 14, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 40s.
The patient’s medical history to date
About 10 years ago, the patient experienced severe back pain, which improved without treatment.
About 5 years ago, his back pain began to gradually worsen.
1 year ago, another clinic diagnosed a lumbar disc herniation but advised against surgery.
One month ago, a different clinic ruled out a herniated disc, instead citing a bone contusion (or bone bruise) and stated that treatment was not possible.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
| Turning over in bed | Slightly difficult |
| Standing up | Very difficult |
| Bending to wash face | Slightly difficult |
| Maintaining half-sitting 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 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 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.
Bending forward: no change
Bending backward: Pain is present, but range of motion is not restricted.
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: L5/S level on the left side
Coughing and sneezing: Occasional pain radiating when sneezing.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, disc bulging
- L5/S: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, endplate degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
These findings suggest that compression in the spinal canal due to disc changes at L4/5 and L5/S is the most likely cause of symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L4/5 and 5/s.
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
