Column Treatment Case Report No. 185｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
October 17, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Symptoms appeared about one month ago.
She visited a local clinic and was told it was muscle pain, so she decided to monitor the condition.
Over time, walking became increasingly difficult, and she began using a wheelchair.
Upon reexamination at the same clinic, she was diagnosed with spinal stenosis.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
The patient was more concerned with pain and numbness in the left lower limb than with low back pain.
| Turning in bed | Easy |
| Standing up | Easy |
| Washing face | Slightly difficult |
| Maintaining a forward-bending or standing posture | Slightly difficult |
| Prolonged sitting | Slightly difficult |
| Lifting or holding heavy objects | Very difficult |
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 8 | 5 | 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, left lower limb.
Bending forward: not possible
Bending backward: not possible
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: none
Coughing and sneezing: a little aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, L5/S: Disc degeneration
- L3/4: Disc degeneration, bulging
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, bulging, disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
The disc findings at L4/5, causing compression of the spinal canal, are the most likely cause of the symptoms.
The disc findings at L3/4 were also treated proactively as they could potentially cause future 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 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
