Column Treatment Case Report No. 80｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
August 3, 2026
The patient
A female patient in her 40s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In junior high school, she experienced intense back pain after overextending her back during stretching. Symptoms lasted for several days before subsiding naturally.
She had no issues until a sharp pain ran through her back while carrying horse feed. Symptoms persisted for about two weeks. She visited an orthopedic clinic and underwent an MRI, but was told nothing was wrong.
Starting in 2022, severe acute back pain began occurring once every three months. From late 2025, the frequency increased to once a month. Seeking a solution, she visited our clinic.
Her most recent episode of acute back pain occurred 3 days ago. She had previously received ultrasound therapy, spinal alignment, and pelvic adjustment at another clinic.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 9 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: lower back pain on both sides.
Bending forward: aggravation of back pain
Bending backward: no aggravation
Lasegue test: positive
Point of tenderness: bilateral superior cluneal nerve region and sacrum
Intermittent claudication: negative
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Horseback riding, walking
Imaging and findings
- L1/2: Nothing unusual
- L2/3: Nothing unusual
- L3/4: Degenerative disc disease and annular tear
- L4/5: Degenerative disc disease and annular tear
- L5/S: Degenerative disc disease and annular tear
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
At L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S, degenerative disc disease and annular tears were observed. These findings were considered highly likely to be associated with the patient’s main symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Minowa.
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
