Column Treatment Case Report No. 94 ｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
September 28, 2026
The Patient
A female patient in her 60s.
The Patient’s Medical History to Date
In July 2026, she developed lower back pain of unknown cause, along with pain from the right groin to the knee. Her symptoms became difficult when she climbed or descended stairs or walks. She consulted an orthopedic clinic and was told that the cushioning in her spine had decreased with age. Electrotherapy and traction during rehabilitation gave her some relief, but it did not last even a week. She also received block injections in the lower back and buttocks, but their effect wore off by the next day.
Pre-Treatment Symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 6 | 7 | 3 | 5 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain: lower back, inner side of the right lower limb.
Bending forward: No aggravation
Bending backward: Pain in the inner side of the right thigh
Lasegue test: Negative
Point of tenderness: Both sides of the lower back at L2/3 and L5/S
Intermittent claudication: Positive
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily Activities
The patient used to play volleyball when she was younger. She does not currently participate in sports.
Imaging and findings
- L1/2: No unusual findings
- L2/3: Disc degeneration and annular tear
- L3/4: Disc degeneration
- L4/5: Disc degeneration and right foraminal stenosis
- L5/S: Disc degeneration and annular tear
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Disc degeneration, foraminal stenosis, and annular tears were observed at L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S, and these findings were considered likely to be contributing to the patient’s main symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S.
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 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
