Column Treatment Progress Report No.170: A Patient Suffering From Symptoms in The Lower Back and Lower Limbs
May 19, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 80s
treated in February 2024. More than 12 months have passed since the treatment.
Symptoms and treatments to date
The patient had spinal canal stenosis in the area indicated by the red frame (L3/4).
Pre-treatment medical history and treatments to date
The patient had essentially never suffered from back pain, although he had occasional episodes of ankle pain.
Around 2023, he began to experience hip pain when walking or carrying things.
Around 2024, he visited his local orthopedist and was diagnosed with inflammation in the hip joint area.
He heard about our clinic from a family member and decided to come visit us.
Post-treatment progress
The table below shows the results of the patient’s own evaluation of the pain in each body site on a scale of 0 to 10.
No pain at all is rated as 0 and 10 as the maximum possible pain.
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before treatment | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 week after treatment | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 month after treatment | 3 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 months after treatment | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 months after treatment | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
The following is feedback from the patient when contacted for follow-up.
After one week, symptoms were getting better and his posture was improving.
After one month, although he still felt a slight wobble, the walking distance was steadily increasing. He felt a brief moment of pain when standing up, but overall the patient’s condition was improving.
After 3 months, although before the treatment he had been unable to extend his legs while sleeping, he was now able to do so and had recovered to the point where he was able to turn over in bed.
After 6 months, the patient is able to walk without the use of a cane.
The patient’s main symptom was most likely caused by spinal canal stenosis.
As a result of the treatment and rehabilitation done on his own, his walking distance is now about 10 times longer than before the treatment. He has also recovered to the point where he can walk without the use of a cane.
We consider that the treatment had a positive effect on the patient’s condition.
* It takes approximately 3 weeks to 3 months to see the full effects of the treatment.
* Effects in the treatment may vary according to individual differences. Please be aware that there is a possibility that the exact same effects may not be replicated every time.
Our clinic’s treatment method
Here is some additional information about the Cellgel method that we have presented here.
Cost of the Cellgel method: 1,320,000 yen per site (including tax) to 1,760,000 yen for 5 sites (including tax)
Cost for this patient’s case: Cellgel performed in 2 areas = 1,430,000 yen (including tax)
Risks and side effects of the Cellgel method: Transient pain may occur after treatment. Due to the very nature of the treatment, the possibility of nerve damage is not zero, but so far there have been no reports of damage in either reported cases or publications. There is a very small possibility of allergic reactions to the local anesthetic. 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 pulls in the surrounding tissues. Also, if the disc is almost completely worn out, it may not be possible to treat it. The doctor will consult with you during your visit to determine the best treatment option for your condition.
For more detailed information, please refer to the following links:
Column page explaining the Cellgel method in an easy-to-understand manner
Page of the Cellgel procedure at our clinic
This article was written by the administrative Director of our clinic
