Column Treatment Case Report No. 48｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
April 2, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 90s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient’s back began to curve progressively starting in her 50s. By her 70s, she began to experience gradual lower back pain. She has previously been diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Currently, she suffers from lower back pain, numbness in her toes, and is concerned about swelling in her legs.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
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 and numbness in both legs
Bending forward: no aggravation
Bending backward: no aggravation
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: Present at L2/3, L3/4, and the right sacroiliac joint
Intermittent claudication: negative
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Walking.
Imaging and findings
L1/2: Degeneration, bulging, right foraminal stenosis.
L2/3: Degeneration, bulging.
L3/4: Degeneration, bulging, left foraminal stenosis.
L4/5: Degeneration, bulging, left foraminal stenosis.
L5/S: Degeneration.
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Degeneration, disc bulging, and foraminal stenosis at L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5 are considered the most likely causes of the patient’s primary symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 4/5.
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 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
