Column Treatment Case Report No. 209｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
January 20, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 70s.
The patient’s pre-treatment medical history
The patient had been experiencing low back pain for several years.
While he visited multiple medical institutions in the past, he was only treated with medication.
He also tried attending osteopathic clinics, but they were not effective.
Over the last 2 to 3 years, his symptoms have progressed, and he sometimes becomes unable to walk due to pain and numbness.
His work involves standing for almost the entire day.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning over in bed: Easy
Standing up: Easy
Washing face: Easy
Maintaining a stooped posture or prolonged standing: Slightly difficult
Prolonged sitting: Easy
Lifting or carrying heavy objects: Slightly difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 4 | 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.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, L3/4: Disc degeneration and bulging
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, bulging, and endplate degeneration
- L5/S: Disc degeneration, bulging, and annular tear
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal caused by disc degeneration and bulging at L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S 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
