Column Treatment Case Report No. 71｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
June 25, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
About 1 year ago, the patient was diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Her doctor advised that surgery would be major/difficult, recommending observation and management with medication instead.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 9 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Primary Areas of Pain: Lower back midline pain, left lower limb pain and numbness, bilateral buttock pain.
Bending forward: no aggravation
Bending backward: no aggravation
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: L3/4, 4/5, 5/S
Intermittent claudication: negative
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
The patient occasionally performs squats as part of her daily exercise routine.
Imaging and findings
L1/2: Intervertebral disc degeneration, disc height loss.
L2/3: Intervertebral disc degeneration, bulging, disc height loss.
L3/4: Intervertebral disc degeneration, bulging, right foraminal stenosis.
L4/5: Intervertebral disc degeneration, bulging, right foraminal stenosis.
L5/S1: Intervertebral disc degeneration.
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Imaging reveals intervertebral disc degeneration, bulging, and right foraminal stenosis at L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1, which are highly likely to be the primary cause of her main symptoms.
Treatment
Following a consultation with the patient, The Cellgell Method was performed across three levels: L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1.
The procedure was carried out by Dr. Ban.
This is the post-procedure imaging showing the placement of DiscoGel.
The procedure was completed in approximately 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
