Column Treatment Case Report No. 217｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
February 20, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 30s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Symptoms first began approximately 10–15 years ago.
After starting work that involved carrying heavy objects, the patient developed pain extending from the lower back to the posterior thigh.
He currently experiences severe pain from the lower back to the buttocks when maintaining the same posture for extended periods.
Pain typically sets in after about an hour of walking, though a sense of heaviness and discomfort persists even while sitting.
If left untreated, the pain progresses to an episode resembling acute lumbar strain (strained back pain).
He had previously undergone chiropractic treatment and acupuncture.
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
Maintaining a half-bent posture or prolonged standing: Very difficult
Prolonged sitting: Slightly difficult
Lifting and holding heavy objects: Slightly difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 9 | 3 | 1 | 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 and glutes.
Bending forward: possible but painful
Bending backward: possible but painful
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: L5/s
Coughing and sneezing: aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L3/4, L4/5: Disc degeneration
- L5/S: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, foraminal stenosis, endplate degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal due to disc pathology at L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S 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 L3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
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
