Column Treatment Case Report No. 263｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
August 28, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 70s, from China.
The patient’s medical history to date
Two months ago, the patient was diagnosed at a hospital in China with lumbar disc herniation, a compression fracture of L3, and spinal canal stenosis. Surgery was recommended.
He had also been previously diagnosed with disc herniation and spinal canal stenosis.
He had occasional low back pain in the past, with no leg pain, and it would improve after a few days of rest.
This time, he developed acute low back pain and also fell on his buttocks, and since about one month ago he has had a heavy, dull pain in the lower back.
He received pain-relief injections at another hospital.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
Turning over in bed: Slightly difficult
Standing up: Very difficult
Washing his face: Very difficult
Stooping posture / prolonged standing: Very difficult
Sitting for long periods: Very difficult
Lifting and holding heavy objects: Very difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 2 | 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.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L3/4, L4/5, L5/S: Disc degeneration, bulging
- L3: compression fracture in its acute-phase
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
The compression of the spinal canal caused by the disc abnormalities at L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S is considered a likely cause of 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 our administrative director, Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 30 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
