Column Treatment Case Report No. 186｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
October 21, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
About a year and a half ago, the patient experienced acute low back pain (“lumbago”), severe enough that she was unable to bend forward.
Approximately one month later, the same symptoms recurred.
Afterward, her condition stabilized for a time, but six months ago, she developed pain and numbness in her legs.
She was examined at another clinic, where MRI findings revealed disc herniation at L2/3 and L3/4. She was treated conservatively with medication.
However, one month ago, the pain and numbness in her legs recurred, prompting her to visit our clinic for evaluation and treatment.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve her symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Pain and numbness predominantly in the left leg
Mild pain around the tailbone area
| Activity | Level of Difficulty |
| Turning over in bed | Easy |
| Standing up | Easy |
| Washing face (forward bending) | Slightly difficult |
| Half-sitting posture / standing for long periods | Moderately difficult |
| Sitting for long periods | Very difficult |
| Lifting or holding heavy objects | Very difficult |
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 2 | 8 | 8 | 4 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: buttocks, lower limbs.
Click here for additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, L3/4, L4/5: Disc degeneration, disc herniation, annular tear
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
These findings indicate compression of the spinal canal caused by disc pathology at L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5, which is likely responsible for the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, 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
