Column Treatment Case Report No. 199｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
December 5, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Approximately 10 years ago: Began experiencing numbness in the buttocks.
Diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis at another orthopedic clinic.
Rehabilitation did not significantly improve symptoms.
Oral medications were prescribed, but he discontinued them due to drowsiness.
At home, he performed lumbar exercises that provided some relief.
However, twisting and bending exercises were prohibited by his primary physician, and he has not performed them since.
The patient did not wish to be hospitalized and preferred a same-day treatment option.
He visited our clinic seeking symptom improvement.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Symptoms worsen when changing from sitting to standing and at the start of walking.
Numbness occurs from both buttocks down through the posterior thighs, calves, and to the ankles.
Symptoms are most severe upon waking.
Turning in bed: somewhat difficult
Standing up: somewhat difficult
Washing face: easy
Forward-bending posture / prolonged standing: somewhat difficult
Prolonged sitting: easy
Lifting or holding heavy objects: easy
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: buttocks to lower limbs.
Forward flexion: no issue
Back extension: no issue
Straight Leg Raise (Lasegue test): negative
Lumbar tenderness: none
Coughing/sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L3/4: Disc degeneration, bulging
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, bulging, spinal canal stenosis
- L5/S: Disc degeneration, disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
These disc abnormalities at L3/4, L4/5, L5/S are highly likely to be the primary source of the patient’s symptoms due to compression of the spinal canal.
Treatment
After consultation with the patient, the Cergel Method was performed at:
L3/4, L4/5, L5/S
The procedure was performed by Dr. Ohara.
The treatment was completed in approximately 40 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
