Column Treatment Case Report No. 201｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
December 12, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
20 Years Ago: Developed low back pain and was diagnosed with a herniated disc. It improved within 3 months through conservative treatment.
3 Months Ago: Developed sciatica.
After visiting a local medical facility, she was diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis and was informed that surgery was the only treatment option.
The patient expressed concern that surgery might result in difficulty walking postoperatively.
The patient visited our clinic seeking symptom improvement through a minimally invasive approach.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Symptoms are present predominantly on the right side
Turning over in bed: Somewhat difficult
Standing up from a seated position: Very difficult
Washing face: Easy
Maintaining a forward-bent posture or standing: Very difficult
Prolonged sitting: Very difficult
Lifting or holding heavy objects: Very difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
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, lower limbs.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, L3/4, L4/5: Disc degeneration and bulging.
- L5/S1: Disc degeneration, herniated disc, and spinal stenosis.
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal caused by disc pathology at L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 was considered the most likely cause of the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 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
