Column Treatment Case Report No. 25｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
January 5, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 90s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient developed low back pain and numbness in January 2024 and was diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation.
She had been receiving treatment at another medical facility, including monthly nerve block injections. Numbness extended from the right buttock to below the knee, and she was unable to walk without the use of a cane.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: Right lower back, outer side of the right lower limb, and the right buttock.
Bending forward: aggravation of pain in the right thigh
Bending backward: aggravation
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: Right lateral aspect of L5/S
Intermittent claudication: positive
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Nothing in particular.
Imaging and findings
L1/2: Disc degeneration
L2/3: Disc degeneration
L3/4: Disc degeneration, bilateral foraminal stenosis
L4/5: Disc degeneration, left foraminal stenosis
L5/S: Disc degeneration, disc herniation, left foraminal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
At L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S, disc degeneration, disc herniation, and foraminal stenosis were identified and considered the most likely causes of the patient’s primary 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. Ban.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The treatment took about 30 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home unaided.
Our clinic’s treatment method
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
This article was written by the Administrative Director of our clinic
