Column Treatment Case Report No. 228｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
April 7, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Four years ago, the patient underwent intervertebral disc treatment at two sites at another hospital; however, a lingering discomfort remained in her right lower back.
Two months ago, her symptoms exacerbated while lifting a heavy object.
She reported severe pain in the left buttock.
She sought treatment at our clinic due to severe pain in her left buttocks.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning over in bed: Slightly difficult
Standing up: Slightly difficult
Washing face: Easy
Maintaining a bent posture or standing position: Slightly difficult
Sitting for long periods: Very difficult
Lifting and carrying heavy objects: Very difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: right lower back to left buttocks
Bending forward: no issues
Bending backward: possible, but causes lower back pain
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: present on the right side from L3/4 to L5/S
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L3/4: Disc degeneration and bulging
- L4/5, L5/S: Disc degeneration, bulging, and foraminal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal caused by disc abnormalities at L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S was considered highly likely to be the cause of the patient’s 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 40 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
