Column Treatment Case Report No. 23｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
December 25, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Symptoms first appeared around the age of 30. Over the past 3–4 years, the symptoms have progressively worsened. Initially, symptoms were present only in the right leg; however, symptoms have since developed in the left leg as well. Previously, spondylolisthesis was identified at two levels, but it has now progressed to three levels.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main area of pain and numbness: Bilateral lower back, lateral aspects of both thighs, both legs, and both buttocks.
Bending forward: pain in both sides of the lower back
Bending backward: pain in both sides of the lower back
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: L2/3 right, 3/4 right, 4/5 right, 5/S right
Intermittent claudication: positive
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
The patient goes to the gym 2–3 times a week.
Imaging and findings
L1/2: Degeneration, disc bulging, left foraminal stenosis
L2/3: Degeneration, disc bulging, right foraminal stenosis
L3/4: Degeneration, disc bulging, left foraminal stenosis
L4/5: Degeneration, disc bulging, bilateral foraminal stenosis
L5/S1: Degeneration, disc bulging
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Disc degeneration and foraminal stenosis were observed at L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 4/5, and are highly likely to be the causes of the primary symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L1/2, 2/3, 3/4 and 4/5.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ban.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
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
