Column Treatment Case Report No. 202｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
December 16, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
13 Years Ago: Began experiencing pain in the lower back, buttocks, and left leg. Numbness gradually developed over time.
3–4 Years Ago: Suffered an episode of acute low back pain (lumbago). Since then, low back pain has recurred intermittently, with periods of exacerbation and remission.
Current Condition: Primarily experiencing right-sided low back pain. (Left leg numbness was present until about a year ago).
Prior Diagnosis: Diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis and lumbar disc herniation at another hospital.
She considered multiple treatment options, including surgical intervention, before visiting our clinic for a less invasive solution.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning over in bed: No difficulty
Lifting or holding heavy objects: No difficulty
Standing up: No difficulty
Washing face: No difficulty
Maintaining a semi-crouched posture or standing position: No difficulty
Prolonged sitting: No difficulty
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower Back | Lower Limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Primary symptomatic area: Right lumbar region
Forward Bending: No issues.
Backward Bending: No pain, but restricted range of motion
Lasègue sign: Negative
Lumbar tenderness: None
Coughing / sneezing: Symptoms intensify during severe episodes
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L3/4: Intervertebral disc degeneration, disc herniation, lumbar spinal canal stenosis
- L4/5: Intervertebral disc degeneration, disc bulging, lumbar spinal canal stenosis
These findings were confirmed on imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal due to disc pathology at L3/4 and L4/5 was considered the most likely cause of the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment
After thorough consultation with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed at the L3/4 and L4/5 intervertebral disc levels.
Procedure performed by: Dr. Ohara
The treatment was completed quickly, in approximately 25 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
