Column Treatment Case Report No. 230｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
January 7, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
2005: The patient visited a local orthopedic clinic due to low back pain and was diagnosed with a lumbar disc herniation.
She was managed conservatively with medication and rehabilitation.
2010: Symptoms intensified significantly. At times, the pain was so severe it was difficult even to walk to the bathroom.
2025: The patient revisited a local orthopedic clinic and was advised that the condition would improve with rest.
The patient was introduced to our clinic through a family member and presented for further evaluation and treatment.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
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
Bending forward: aggravation of the symptoms
Bending backward: no change
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: right side of L3, L4, and L5.
Intermittent claudication: negative
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Forward bending exacerbates the symptoms.
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, L4/5, L5/S1: Disc degeneration
- L5/S1: Lumbar disc herniation
- L5/S1: Annular tear
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L2/3 and L4/5: Disc degeneration identified; treated from a preventive perspective
・L5/S1: Disc herniation considered the primary 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. Suematsu.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The treatment took about 20 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
