Column Treatment Case Report No.274 ｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
October 13, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had been experiencing a dull pain in his left buttock for approximately one year.
About six months ago, he was diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis at another medical institution.
He had hardly any symptoms on the right side, with most symptoms concentrated on the left.
He had been receiving oral medication at another medical institution, but recently the pain has become increasingly bothersome.
He was advised to continue taking medication and monitor his condition, and that surgery might be considered if the pain persisted.
He visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Pre-treatment Symptoms
Turning over in bed: Easy
Standing up: Easy
Washing the face: Easy
Stooping posture / standing for a prolonged time: Slightly difficult
Sitting for a long time: Easy
Lifting or holding heavy objects: Easy
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 6 | 2 | 2 | 7 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of symptoms: left lower back and buttock.
Bending forward: no problem
Bending backward: no problem
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: negative
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L3/4: Disc degeneration, disc herniation, foraminal stenosis, spinal canal stenosis, anterolisthesis
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, bulging, foraminal stenosis
- L5/s: Disc degeneration, disc herniation, foraminal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Compression of the spinal canal due to the disc findings at L3/4, 4/5 and 5/s is highly likely to be the cause of the 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 walked out of the clinic on his own.
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
