Column Treatment Case Report No. 224｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
March 24, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 40s, from the U.S.A.
The patient’s medical history to date
Approximately 9 months ago, the patient experienced a cramp-like sensation when twisting his body.
He underwent rehabilitation for 3 months without improvement, and since then has had persistent low back pain.
He used painkillers but discontinued them due to a personal dislike of medication.
The condition has significantly disrupted his daily life, causing him to wake up every few hours.
In the United States, he was recommended to undergo spinal fusion surgery.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Symptoms are predominant on the right side.
Turning in bed: Slightly difficult
Standing up: Slightly difficult
Washing face: Easy
Maintaining a half-bent posture or standing: Very difficult
Prolonged sitting: Very difficult
Lifting/holding heavy objects: Very difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 9 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
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
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L3/4: Disc degeneration, disc bulging
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, annular tear
- L5/S: Disc degeneration, lumbar disc herniation
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 is considered highly likely to be the cause of 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 our administrative director, Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 30 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by her own means.
Our Clinics’ Treatment
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
