Column Treatment Case Report No. 191｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
November 7, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 30s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient injured his back years ago after jumping down from a high place.
About 1 year ago, his low back pain worsened, particularly when sitting for long periods.
When he visited another clinic a year ago, X-rays revealed decreased water content in the lumbar discs.
Since the onset of back pain, he also developed pain around the base of his lower limbs (groin area).
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Forward bending: Pain worsens
Turning over in bed: Mildly difficult
Standing up: Easy
Washing face: Easy
Maintaining half-bent or standing posture: Extremely difficult
Sitting for long periods: Extremely difficult
Lifting or holding heavy objects: Extremely difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 10 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
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, inguinal region (groin area).
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S – Disc degeneration and lumbar disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
The disc findings from L1/2 through L5/S were observed to be compressing the spinal canal and are the most likely cause of the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Kotera.
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
