Blog on COLUMNA.ORG — Dr. Yoshiro Sato

L5-S1 herniated disc: symptoms & care

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

If you’ve been diagnosed with an L5-S1 herniated disc and want to understand exactly what that means, this guide is for you. L5-S1 is the last disc of the lumbar spine, sitting right where the mobile spine meets the fixed sacrum, and several studies report it as the most frequent level for lumbar disc herniation. Understanding why it happens at this specific level, which nerves it can compress, and what treatment options exist helps you make better-informed decisions about your case. Here we explain the specific anatomy of the lumbosacral junction, the most characteristic symptoms, how the diagnosis is confirmed, and when surgery is truly needed.

L4-L5 herniated disc: symptoms & care

Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

If you’ve been told you have an L4-L5 herniated disc and aren’t sure what that actually means, you’re in the right place. A herniated disc is a type of injury to the intervertebral disc, and when it occurs between vertebrae L4 and L5, it’s called an L4-L5 herniation. It’s one of the most common levels where lumbar herniations occur, and understanding why it happens there, which nerves it can compress, and what care options exist helps you make better-informed decisions. This guide walks through the specific anatomy of this segment, the most characteristic symptoms, how the diagnosis is confirmed, and when surgery is actually needed.

Scoliosis and GES: Coverage Under 25

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

If you or your teenage child were diagnosed with scoliosis and someone mentioned the word “GES,” this guide walks you through the full process: what you’re entitled to, which clinical criteria apply, the legal timeframes and how to properly activate the benefit. The GES scoliosis coverage in Chile is reserved for people under 25 and follows specific rules worth knowing before your next appointment. You’ll find a practical map of the journey, step by step, from the initial diagnosis through post-surgical follow-up.

Herniated disc & GES: activate coverage

Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

If you’ve been diagnosed with a lumbar herniated disc and someone mentioned the word “GES” without telling you what to do next, this guide is for you. Activating GES coverage correctly can be the difference between getting surgery within 45 days with a set copay versus waiting months while paying out-of-pocket for visits, imaging, and surgery. What follows is a practical, step-by-step map of the full process: from diagnosis to the post-surgical follow-up, what documents you need, what timeframes you’re entitled to by law, and what to do when something doesn’t go as it should.

Chile's GES/AUGE for spine: what's covered

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

If you’ve been diagnosed with a spine condition in Chile, someone probably mentioned the words “GES” or “AUGE” without explaining what they actually mean or what they guarantee you. Knowing whether your condition is covered, what the law actually secures for you, and how to activate the benefit can save you weeks of uncertainty and a substantial amount of money in unforeseen expenses. This guide helps you understand the basic concepts of GES/AUGE applied to spine conditions, how to access the benefit, and what you should know before your next medical visit.

Low back pain: causes, treatment and red flags

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

If you’ve spent days with a nagging ache in your lower back that just won’t settle, you’re probably looking for concrete answers: why is this happening, how long will it last and what should you actually do about it. Low back pain is one of the most frequent reasons for medical consultation in the world, and it is also one of the most surrounded by myths. This guide helps you understand what is happening, what real options you have and when it’s worth asking a specialist for help.

Herniated disc: symptoms, causes and treatment

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

If you’ve been told you have a herniated disc, or suspect you might, you’re probably dealing with pain, fear, and a lot of questions. The good news: most herniated discs improve without surgery. The flip side: understanding your diagnosis requires more than reading an MRI. This article is the complete guide to help you get your bearings — in plain language, with the information that actually matters when making decisions.