Column Treatment Case Report No. 219｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
February 27, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
15 years ago, the patient was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis after experiencing chronic dull pain and numbness.
One year ago, she suffered a compression fracture in a car accident, which significantly worsened her lower back pain.
She has occasional numbness in the left leg.
Other clinics recommended surgery if the numbness progressed, but she was hesitant about the procedure’s effectiveness.
She visited us seeking improvement upon a friend’s recommendation.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning in bed: Slightly difficult
Standing up: Slightly difficult
Washing face: Very difficult
Maintaining forward-bent posture / standing: Slightly difficult
Prolonged sitting: Slightly difficult
Lifting/carrying heavy objects: Very difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 2 | 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, left leg.
Bending forward: no change
Bending backward: no change
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: L3/4 and L4/5 levels on the right side
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L1: Old (healed) compression fracture
- L2/3: Disc degeneration, bulging, foraminal stenosis
- L3/4: Disc degeneration, bulging, foraminal stenosis, anterior spondylolisthesis
- L4/5, L5/S1: Disc degeneration, bulging, foraminal stenosis, endplate degeneration
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 is highly likely the cause of 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 55 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
