Column Treatment Case Report No. 244｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
June 9, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Approximately 10 years ago, the patient visited another medical facility for low back pain and was diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis. His symptoms improved with traction therapy.
Two months before visiting our clinic, he began to experience discomfort in his lower back.
One month before, he developed severe low back pain accompanied by pain radiating from the left buttock into the left leg.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning over in bed: Easy
Standing up: Easy
Washing face: Easy
Maintaining a bent posture or prolonged standing: Easy
Sitting for long periods: Easy
Lifting/holding heavy objects: Somewhat difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 |
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 aggravation
Bending backward: no aggravation
Lasegue test: pain triggered in the left buttock at 60°on the left side
Point of tenderness: negative
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L1/2, L2/3: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, foraminal stenosis
- L3/4, L5/S: Disc degeneration, herniated disc, foraminal stenosis
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, foraminal stenosis, spinal canal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Spinal canal compression caused by the disc findings across the L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S levels is highly likely to be the cause of the symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ohara.
The treatment took about 45 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by his 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
