Column Treatment Case Report No. 200｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
December 9, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient has been experiencing numbness in the left lower limb for approximately seven years. The symptoms gradually worsened over time, and numbness subsequently developed in the right lower limb as well.
Three years ago, the numbness extended to the lower back, and approximately eight months prior, low back pain also appeared.
At another orthopedic clinic, she was diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation and lumbar spinal canal stenosis.
Low back pain was present while working but improved after quitting her job.
She has congenital osteoarthritis of the hip
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Symptom distribution:
Right side: below the knee
Left side: from the lower back through the entire lower limb
Most Comfortable Position: Lying on her right side (right lateral decubitus).
Turning over in bed: Easy
Standing up: Easy
Washing one’s face (forward bending): Easy
Prolonged stooped posture / prolonged standing: Slightly difficult
Prolonged sitting: Slightly difficult
Lifting and holding heavy objects: Slightly difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: Left lower back to lower limb, right lower limb
Flexion (Forward Bending): No issue.
Extension (Backward Bending): Pain present.
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: Left L3/4 and L5/S, eliciting numbness in the sole of the foot.
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, bulging, and foraminal stenosis were observed.
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal due to the L4/5 disc pathology was considered the most likely cause of the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L4/5.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ohara.
The treatment took about 20 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
