Disc space narrowing at 21 is quite uncommon. Likely causes include injury, infection, or degenerative disc disease (rare at your age). Treatment options:
1. Physical therapy: Core strengthening, flexibility exercises.
2. Pain management: Oral meds like muscle relaxants, NSAIDs.
3. Epidural injections: Steroid injections for inflammation reduction.
4. Disc regeneration therapy: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
5. Bracing and lifestyle mods: Posture correction, weight management.
6. Surgery (rarely needed at your age): Disc replacement or fusion – usually only if severe nerve damage.
What’s your current pain level like – mild, moderate, or severe?
Next Steps
have yourself evaluated by a pain physician