Column Treatment Case Report No. 237｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
May 12, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient experiences severe pain in his buttocks after walking for about 10 minutes.
Five months ago, he visited an orthopedic department at another hospital and received a nerve block injection, which provided some relief.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Symptoms are predominantly on the right side.
Rolling over in bed: Easy
Standing up: Easy
Washing face (leaning forward): Easy
Maintaining bent posture or standing position: Extremely difficult
Prolonged sitting: Moderately difficult
Lifting/holding heavy objects: Extremely difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
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 and buttocks
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L3/4: Disc degeneration, bulging
- L4/5, L5/S: Disc degeneration, disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal caused by the disc findings 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
