Column Treatment Case Report No. 46｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
March 26, 2026
The patient
A male patient in his 30s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient has experienced low back pain for approximately 10 years, along with numbness extending from the left lower limb to the sole of the foot. He attributes the onset to excessive physical activity during childhood. Pain increases during physical activity.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
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 pain; pain and numbness in the anterior and posterior aspects of the left lower limb
Bending forward: no aggravation
Bending backward: left-sided lower back pain
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: left superior cluneal nerve region
Intermittent claudication: positive
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Played baseball in childhood; currently plays golf.
Imaging and findings
L1/2: No abnormalities
L2/3: No significant abnormalities, but early signs are present (treated upon patient’s request).
L3/4: No abnormalities
L4/5: No abnormalities
L5/S: Degeneration, disc bulging, left foraminal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Degeneration, bulging, and left foraminal stenosis at L2/3 and L5/S are considered likely contributors to the patient’s primary symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ban.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The treatment took about 20 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by her 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
This article was written by the Administrative Director of our clinic
