Column Treatment Case Report No. 35｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
February 12, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient has experienced low back pain and bilateral hip pain for several decades. Approximately 15 years ago, she suffered an episode of acute low back pain (strained back pain). Her hip pain developed as a secondary symptom of her chronic back issues, primarily occurring while walking.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 6 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: bilateral lower back, both hip joints, and both buttocks.
Bending forward: lower back pain
Bending backward: lower back pain
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: L4/5、5/S
Intermittent claudication: positive
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Aerobics, volleyball, stretching
Imaging and findings
L1/2: No abnormalities
L2/3: Degeneration, annular tear
L3/4: Degeneration, disc bulging
L4/5: Degeneration, disc bulging, endplate degeneration (Modic type 2)
L5/S: Degeneration, disc bulging, endplate degeneration (Modic type 3)
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
These findings indicate disc degeneration, disc bulging, annular tear, and endplate degeneration at L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S, which are considered highly likely to be the cause of the primary symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, 3/4, 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 40 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
