Column Treatment Case Report No. 197｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
November 28, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had experienced a dull ache in the lower back for several years. Two years ago, she began feeling a water-like sensation and pain radiating down the back of the right thigh.
She experiences lower back pain when bending forward or when standing up from a seated position. She feels more comfortable when walking or standing rather than sitting.
Recently, she has noticed asymmetry in sensation between the left and right buttocks, along with a general dullness throughout her lower back.
She visited our clinic seeking improvement of these symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
| Movement / Activity | Level of Difficulty |
| Turning over in bed | Slightly difficult |
| Standing up from sitting | Slightly difficult |
| Washing face | Easy |
| Half-bent posture / prolonged standing | Very difficult |
| Prolonged sitting | Slightly difficult |
| Lifting or holding heavy objects | Slightly difficult |
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 3 | 0 | 7 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Primary symptomatic area: Lower back and buttocks to the right lower limb
Forward Bending: No issues.
Backward Bending: Slight restriction.
Lasègue Sign (Straight Leg Raise): Negative.
Lumbar Tenderness to Palpation: Overall on the right side.
Coughing/Sneezing: No effect on pain.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, L4/5, L5/S – Disc degeneration, bulging
- L3/4 – Disc degeneration, bulging, spinal canal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Based on imaging, compression of the spinal canal from disc changes at L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S is considered the likely cause of symptoms.
Treatment
The Cellgel Method was performed on four levels (L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S), following consultation with the patient.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Ohara.
The procedure was completed in approximately 35 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
