EMI.AI

Neurosurgeon

a medical doctor specializing in the surgical and

non-surgical treatment of conditions affecting the brain,

spinal cord, and nervous system.

Questions.

  1. Questions for Doctor
  2. Link to recent scan: https://patient.qldxray.com.au/quick-share/verify?code=44547679
  3. I sometimes get nerve twitches through the body — when sitting, walking, or standing my leg gives way. This comes from the lower back on the right side.
    • Is this related to ongoing nerve damage from my disc injury?
  4. Regarding the front area of the injury (scrotum, epididymal cyst/spermatocele):
    • Can the problems shown on the scan be connected to my back/nerve issues?
  5. What is the recommended plan for the next 6–12 months?
  6. Is there anything more I can do now to treat the injury conservatively (without surgery)?
  7. Why is pain still present in my back right side?
  8. That side often feels like it has fluid or inflammation. I can even feel what seems like fluid build-up with my finger. What is this?
  9. What are the best ways to treat this area now?
    • If I start exercise/rehab, can I regain normal movement and avoid surgery?
  10. When my leg gives way, is that likely to be a permanent nerve problem?
  11. When I sit too long, I get burning/pins and needles that travel from my back into my left leg. What does this mean?
  12. I also get tightness across the opposite side (upper body left shoulder down to lower right back). Could this be due to loss of muscle and compensation from avoiding pain?
  13. Can we please get a copy of the radiology report to send to WorkCover?

The “S1 to S5” in an “Artea” context refers to the sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of the spine formed by the fusion of five vertebrae (S1-S5). It connects the lumbar spine to the coccyx and plays a key role in weight distribution to the pelvis, stabilization, and protecting lower back nerves.  

Structure and Function

  • Formation: The five sacral vertebrae (S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5) fuse together during adolescence to form a single, solid bone. 
  • Location: The sacrum sits at the bottom of the spine, between the lumbar spine (L5) and the coccyx (tailbone). 
  • Connections: It forms the back part of the pelvis and connects to the hip bones (iliac). 
  • Role: The sacrum transmits body weight to the pelvis, helps with weight-bearing activities like walking and standing, and protects the nerves in the lower back. 

Nerve Function

S4 & S5: Affect the perineal (genital and anal) area. 

Nerve roots: Though the spinal cord ends before the sacrum, nerve roots exit from each level of the sacral spine. 

Area of influence: Damage or compression in this region can affect specific areas of the body:

S1: Affects the hips and groin area. 

S2: Affects the back of the thighs. 

S3: Affects the inner buttock area. 

S4 & S5: Affect the perineal (genital and anal) area.