Column Treatment Case Report No. 239｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
May 19, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient has suffered from persistent lower back pain since experiencing an acute strained back over 10 years ago.
Since that episode, she has been careful to avoid lifting heavy objects, which successfully prevented further acute relapses.
However, three months ago, she began developing pain and numbness radiating down her right lower limb.
She sought an evaluation at another hospital and was diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis, for which surgical intervention was recommended.
She visited our clinic looking for a non-surgical alternative to achieve symptomatic relief.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Symptoms are predominantly on the right side.
Rolling over in bed: Moderately difficult
Standing up: Moderately difficult
Washing face (leaning forward): Easy
• Maintaining a 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 | 2 | 8 | 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, lower limbs.
Bending forward: no change
Bending backward: limited range of motion due to pain
Lasegue test: pain triggered between 50 and 60 degrees on the right side
Point of tenderness: left L3/4, bilateral L4/5 and L5/S1
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L3/4: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, foraminal stenosis, spinal canal stenosis, endplate degeneration
- L4/5 and L5/S1: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, foraminal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal caused by disc pathology at L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 was considered the most likely source 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 Dr. Ohara.
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
