Column Treatment Case Report No. 221｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
March 10, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient’s history with spinal issues is exceptionally long.
Following a fall from a height as a child, she was diagnosed with stenosis at L5. Later in life, she was informed that L3 had also narrowed.
She suffered from persistent pain in her left leg, while her right leg remained asymptomatic.
While nerve block injections provided some relief, the effects were temporary.
Her primary physician eventually recommended surgery, but her strong desire to avoid invasive procedures led her to our clinic.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning in bed: Easy
Standing up: Easy
Washing face: Slightly difficult
Prolonged forward-leaning / standing: Unknown
Prolonged sitting: Slightly difficult
Lifting/carrying heavy objects: Unknown
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: left lower back, lower limbs.
Bending forward: no problem
Bending backward: no problem, but pain in the lower leg.
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: none
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3: Disc degeneration, bulging, foraminal stenosis
- L3/4: Disc degeneration, bulging, foraminal stenosis, spinal canal stenosis
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, bulging, foraminal stenosis, spinal canal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis
- L5/S1: Disc degeneration, bone fusion
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal due to disc pathology at L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5 is highly likely the cause of 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
