Column Treatment Case Report No. 252｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
July 10, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Approximately 40 years ago, the patient experienced an episode of acute lower back pain, which was resolved after a single block injection.
Around three years ago, she began experiencing pain in the lower back and buttock on the right side.
She was diagnosed with a herniated disc at another medical institution and received nerve block injections as symptomatic treatment.
Her symptoms worsened approximately two months ago.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning over in bed: Somewhat difficult
Standing up: Somewhat difficult
Washing her face: Easy
Bending forward / Prolonged standing: Somewhat difficult
Sitting for long periods: Somewhat difficult
Lifting/holding heavy objects: Somewhat difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
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 on the right side at an angle of 40 to 50 degrees
Intermittent claudication: negative
Coughing and sneezing: aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L1/2: Disc degeneration, lumbar disc herniation, and annular tear
- L2/3, L3/4, L4/5: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, and foraminal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
After discussing the treatment options with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed at L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L1/2, 2/3, 3/4 and 4/5.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ohara.
The treatment took about 35 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
