Column Treatment Case Report No. 65 ｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
June 4, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Since her youth, the patient has occasionally experienced cold sensations and numbness in her left lower limb.
In June of last year, she developed pain radiating from her buttocks and visited a local clinic. She was informed that her condition could only be cured through conventional surgery, but because she was still able to walk and given her advanced age, surgery was not an option, and physical rehabilitation was recommended instead.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Symptomatic area | Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 5 | 7 | 6 | 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 low back and buttock pain. Pain and numbness along the medial and lateral aspects of both thighs. Symptoms more severe on the left side.
Bending forward: pain induced in bilateral buttocks
Bending backward: pain induced in bilateral hip joints
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: negative
Intermittent claudication: negative
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Enjoys playing volleyball, table tennis, and walking.
Imaging and findings
L1/2: Mild disc degeneration
L2/3: Disc degeneration, bulging, right foraminal stenosis
L3/4: Disc degeneration, bulging, right foraminal stenosis
L4/5: Disc degeneration, bulging, annular tear, bilateral foraminal stenosis, spinal canal stenosis
L5/S: Disc degeneration, annulus fibrosus tear
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Findings of disc degeneration, bulging, an annulus fibrosus tear, foraminal stenosis, and spinal canal stenosis across L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5 are identified as the highly likely causes of her primary symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Ban.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The treatment took about 30 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by his 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
