Column Treatment Progress Report No.178: A Patient That Came to See Us Following a Surgical Intervention
August 13, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 80s.
Patient treated in February 2024; Approximately 12+ months post-treatment.
Symptoms and treatments to date
This patient had disc herniation at the location indicated by the red frame (L1/2).
He underwent decompression and fusion surgery in 2016 and 2023.
Pre-treatment medical history and treatments to date
In 2016, the patient was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and underwent surgery.
In 2023, he experienced sudden lower back pain while playing tennis. He visited an orthopedic surgeon and was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. He underwent fusion surgery two months after the initial consultation. Postoperative recovery was favorable.
In 2024, pain recurred. He visited the hospital where the previous surgery was performed but was only given medication and advised to monitor his condition.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve her symptoms.
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 | 4 | 7 |
| 1 week after treatment | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 month after treatment | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 3 months after treatment | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 6 months after treatment | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The following is feedback from the patient when contacted for follow-up.
After one week: walking felt easier, and overall symptoms seemed to have eased.
After one month: lower back pain improved significantly.
After 3 months: Overall improvement. It feels more like discomfort than pain now.
After 6 months: Living comfortably and in good condition.
This patient had previously undergone decompression surgery and spinal fusion for spinal stenosis.
While postoperative effects may have played a role, symptoms improved right after receiving the Cellgel Method.
Since symptoms improved with the Cellgel Method, it can be inferred that the disc herniation in L1/2 was likely causing the symptoms in this case.
* 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
