Column Treatment Case Report No.275 ｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
October 16, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had been experiencing lower back pain and numbness in both buttocks due to spinal canal stenosis for more than 10 years.
Five years ago, his symptoms worsened after playing golf and lifting heavy objects.
More recently, after lifting a heavy object, his symptoms worsened again, and he developed lower back and buttock pain, along with numbness in his left lower limb.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve symptoms.
Pre-treatment symptoms
- Turning over in bed: Slightly difficult
- Standing up: Slightly difficult
- Washing the face: Slightly difficult
- Stooping posture / standing for a prolonged time: Slightly difficult
- Sitting for a long time: Very difficult
- Lifting or holding heavy objects: Very difficult
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower Back | Lower Limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of symptoms: lower back and buttocks to the lower limbs.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
Imaging and findings
- L3/4: Disc degeneration, bulging, foraminal stenosis, anterolisthesis
- L4/5: Disc degeneration, bulging, annular tear
- L5/s: Disc degeneration, bulging
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 our administrative director, Dr. Kotera.
The procedure was completed in approximately 35 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient walked out of the clinic on his own.
Our Clinics’ Treatment
Here is supplementary information about the Cellgel Method introduced in this case.
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
