Column Treatment Case Report No. 204｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
December 23, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient has experienced low back pain since a young age.
Ten years ago, he underwent his first surgery for spinal canal stenosis at L4/5. Four years ago, he underwent a second surgery at L2/3 and L3/4 for spinal canal stenosis.
Following these procedures, his symptoms improved; however, low back pain recurred approximately two years ago.
He reports that after sleeping for about three hours, he awakens due to low back pain.
He is currently able to walk for approximately 30 minutes, but walking beyond that duration becomes difficult because of the pain worsening.
He visited another medical institution where X-ray imaging was performed; however, no specific diagnosis was provided, and only analgesic medication was prescribed.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Predominantly right-sided low back and buttock pain
Pain and numbness in the lower right extremity
Turning over in bed: slightly difficult
Standing up from a seated position: slightly difficult
Washing face: easy
Maintaining a stooped posture or 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 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 7 |
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 limb on the right side.
Bending forward: no problem
Bending backward: limited, with pain on the right side
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: pain at right L3/4 and L4/5 levels
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, L3/4, L4/5: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, foraminal stenosis, status post-laminectomy
- L5/S1: Disc degeneration and disc bulging
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal due to disc pathology at L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 was considered highly likely to be the 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 Dr. Ohara.
The treatment took about 45 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
