Column Treatment Case Report No. 238｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
March 14, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 90s.
The patient’s medical history to date
First episode of acute low back pain (lumbago) in his 70s, which improved with electroacupuncture therapy.
Since September 2025, gradual onset of heaviness in the lower back and both lower limbs, and development of numbness in the lower limbs led to visiting a local orthopedic clinic.
He was kept under observation with medication, but his condition continued to worsen, leading him to our clinic.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
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, both lower limbs.
Bending forward: no change
Bending backward: unable to perform
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: none
Intermittent claudication: negative
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Numbness is not triggered by any specific action, but rather is present on a daily, persistent basis.
Imaging and findings
- L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1: Disc degeneration
- L3/4: Disc herniation
- L3/4: Spinal canal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・The disc herniation at L3/4, in correlation with clinical symptoms, is highly likely the primary cause of the patient’s condition.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L3/4 and 4/5.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Minowa.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The treatment took about 15 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
