Column Treatment Case Report No. 257｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
July 28, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had been experiencing pain throughout the lower back for approximately 30 years.
Approximately 15–20 years ago, he began experiencing numbness in the soles of his feet, described as feeling as though he were stepping on something.
He had previously been diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis at another medical institution.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning over in bed: Slightly difficult
Standing up: Slightly difficult
Washing his face: Slightly difficult
Bending forward / Sustained standing: Slightly difficult
Sitting for long periods: Slightly difficult
Lifting and holding heavy objects: Slightly difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 |
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 to lower limbs.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L1/2, L2/3: Disc degeneration and disc bulging
- L3/4: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, and foraminal stenosis
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, disc bulging, foraminal stenosis, and spinal canal stenosis
- L5/S: Disc degeneration, reduced disc height, and endplate degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal associated with the disc abnormalities at L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S was considered likely to be contributing to the patient’s 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 our administrative director, Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 40 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
