Column Treatment Case Report No. 227｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
April 3, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 20s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had been experiencing pain from the right lower back to the lower limb for approximately 9 months.
He was diagnosed with a lumbar disc herniation at another clinic and was advised to undergo surgery.
He had been treated with analgesics and topical patches but reported no improvement.
He is scheduled to start a new job in three months, which will involve frequent bending, and wishes to resolve his symptoms before then.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve 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 | 7 | 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, lower limbs.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L4/5, L5/S: Disc degeneration, disc herniation, and annular tear
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal due to disc pathology at L4/5 and L5/S is considered the most likely cause of the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L4/5, 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ohara.
The treatment took about 25 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
