Column Treatment Case Report No. 225｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
March 27, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had been experiencing unexplained pain in the right lower limb for approximately five years.
Three years ago, he was diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis at another medical institution. Although surgery was suggested if symptoms worsened, his condition did not significantly interfere with daily life, and he remained under observation.
Symptoms worsened with prolonged physical activity and extended sitting.
He currently takes half a dose of pain medication only when playing golf and does not use it regularly. He visited our clinic seeking a fundamental improvement in his symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning in bed: No difficulty
Standing up: No difficulty
Washing face: No difficulty
Maintaining a bent posture / standing: Slight difficulty
Prolonged sitting: No difficulty
Lifting or holding heavy objects: Slight difficulty
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: left leg
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L3/4, L5/S: Disc Degeneration, Bulging.
- L4/5: Disc Degeneration, Bulging, Foraminal Stenosis, Spinal Canal Stenosis, Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal caused by disc pathology at 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 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
