Column Treatment Case Report No. 206｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
January 6, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 40s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had been experiencing low back pain for approximately four years.
Three years ago, he was diagnosed with lumbar spinal canal stenosis and underwent surgical treatment.
One month ago, he noticed his lower back pain was worsening.
Three days ago, he was transported by ambulance due to severe lower back pain and was diagnosed with a herniated disc at L2/3.
Although pain killer injections allowed him to regain the ability to walk, pain and numbness in the right lower extremity subsequently developed.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning over in bed: Slightly difficult
Standing up: Slightly difficult
Washing face: Slightly difficult
Half-crouching posture / Sustained standing: Slightly difficult
Sitting for a long time: Very difficult
Lifting or holding heavy objects: Very difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
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.
Bending forward: no change in the pain level
Bending backward: no change in the pain level
Lasegue test: discomfort in the lower back at 40° on the right side
Point of tenderness: none
Coughing and sneezing: someaggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, foraminal stenosis, spinal canal stenosis post-surgery
- L3/4: Disc degeneration, disc herniation, foraminal stenosis, spinal canal stenosis post-surgery
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, disc herniation, foraminal stenosis, endplate degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Based on these findings, spinal canal compression due to disc pathology at L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5 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 and 4/5 .
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ohara.
The treatment took about 30 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
