Column Treatment Case Report No. 258｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
August 7, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had experienced recurrent episodes of acute low back pain since his younger years.
Five years ago, he underwent surgery for lumbar disc herniation at another hospital. Following the surgery, symptoms such as numbness subsided.
Approximately four months ago, he began experiencing pain in the midline of the lower back, from the midline of the buttocks extending slightly to the right, as well as pain in the right groin. He also developed numbness in the soles of both feet.
Two months ago, he returned to the hospital where he had undergone surgery and was advised to undergo spinal fusion surgery.
His symptoms were intermittent, with some days being symptom-free and other days accompanied by symptoms.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning over in bed: Easy
Standing up: Easy
Washing his face: Easy
o Half-crouching posture / Prolonged standing: Easy
Sitting for long periods: Easy
Lifting and holding heavy objects: Slightly difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 4 | 2 | 2 | 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, lower limbs.
Bending forward: limitations due to pain
Bending backward: limitations due to pain
Lasegue test: Positive bilaterally at 50 degrees (elicited right lower back pain)
Point of tenderness: L3/4, L4/5 on the right side
Coughing and sneezing: occasionally aggravates the symptoms
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L3/4, L4/5, L5/S: Intervertebral disc degeneration, bulging, intervertebral foramen stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
The compression of the spinal canal associated with the disc findings at L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S was considered highly likely to be contributing to 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 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
