Column Treatment Case Report No. 254｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
July 17, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Approximately 30 years ago, the patient experienced an episode of acute lower back pain, after which he began experiencing ongoing problems with his lower back.
Approximately 20 years ago and again 7 years ago, he underwent surgery for spinal canal stenosis to relieve numbness in his lower limbs.
His symptoms initially improved following the surgeries.
However, approximately one year ago, his symptoms began to worsen after walking for extended periods.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning over in bed: Easy
Standing up: Slightly difficult
Washing face: Slightly difficult
Bending forward / Sustained standing: Very difficult
Prolonged sitting: Slightly difficult
Lifting / Holding heavy objects: Easy
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
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
Bending forward: restricted by pain
Bending backward: no aggravation
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: bilateral L4/5 and L5/S
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, L5/S: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, and foraminal stenosis
- L3/4: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, foraminal stenosis, and spinal canal stenosis
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, foraminal stenosis, post-laminectomy status
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
It was determined highly likely that the compression of the spinal canal caused by the intervertebral disc findings at L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S is the main cause of the symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ohara.
The treatment took about 50 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
