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L5s1 space reduction
So i got my mri report and it said that a nerve is being compressed because of the space reduction in l5-s1 disc and due to that i have shooting pain down the leg and cant sit for long . What should i do ...
That pain is very irritating im having it for almost 7months
Answers (18)
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Dealing with nerve compression at 19 is incredibly frustrating, especially when it has persisted for seven months. An MRI showing space reduction at the L5-S1 level typically indicates that the intervertebral disc between the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum has thinned or herniated, narrowing the exit path for the nerve roots.
Next Steps
Immediate Ergonomic Adjustments
Since sitting for long periods is your primary trigger, you must change how you sit:
Lumbar Support: Use a small rolled towel or a lumbar roll in the curve of your lower back to maintain a natural arch (lordosis).
Take "Micro-breaks": Stand up and walk for 1–2 minutes every 20–30 minutes to decompress the disc.
Prone Lying: Lying flat on your stomach can sometimes help shift the disc material away from the nerve.
Targeted Physical Therapy
You need to see a physiotherapist who will focus on centralising the pain
Health Tips
Since your symptoms have lasted seven months, it is time for a more proactive approach to prevent this from becoming a chronic cycle
Would you like me to walk you through a specific "nerve flossing" exercise you can try at home to help desensitize the shooting pain?
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At the age of 19 back pain with radiculopathy can become problematic with increasing age.
To get proper consultation I need the amount of space left after compression of L5-S1 nerve root that means severity of compression.
Follow basic ergonomic can help to relieve some pain.
For more information feel free to consult
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Please consult a nearby physiotherapist as you require some passive technique which the physiotherapist is skilled in.
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Hey there!
I have helped many patients to reduce it. Kindly consult with me online. Click the consult button on your right to connect with me.
Regards
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If your pain is chronic please consult the near by physiotherapist and take a proper consultation and exercise plan .
Don’t do any random exercise
Next Steps
Work on posture correction activity
Health Tips
You Can also do telerehab for better result and consistency
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Since your pain has persisted for several months, please consult a good physiotherapist in person. A hands-on assessment and a personalized treatment plan are essential at this stage. Avoid self-treatment and random exercises—the right guidance can still help you recover without surgery.
— Dr. Rajesh Pal
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Your MRI shows disc space reduction at L5–S1 causing nerve compression, which explains the shooting leg pain and difficulty sitting. Since symptoms have persisted for 7 months, this is not just muscle pain but nerve irritation.
At 19 years of age, this condition is treatable without surgery in most cases. The focus should be on targeted rehabilitation, posture correction, core stabilization, and nerve-specific therapy, rather than only painkillers or rest.
Early, structured conservative care offers a very good recovery outlook and helps prevent long-term issues.
Next Steps
Consult a spine specialist and begin a structured, non-surgical rehabilitation program focusing on posture correction, core stability, and nerve care.
Health Tips
Avoid prolonged sitting, take breaks every 30–40 minutes, use lumbar support, sleep on a firm mattress, and stay active with guided exercises only. Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or sudden movements. If pain worsens, weakness, numbness, or bladder/bowel issues appear, seek medical attention immediately.
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It's happend due to same bed posture or prolong sitting
Change your eragnomatic and habbit
Next Steps
do walk at least 25 mint a day
Health Tips
do hot formantation and straching
consult a near by physiotherapist
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Hi complete bed rest for 1 wk
Next Steps
Follow the physiotherapy treatment as physio advised
Health Tips
UST and IFT for 2 wks
Sciatic nerve stretching exercise
Hamstring stretching
Piriformis stretching
Postural care
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Hello dear,
Mention your name & occupation to know the cause behind starting the issue. For L5-S1 disc reduction visit physiotherapy centre for proper assessment & follow all advice as per given.
Next Steps
For pain, SWD/ Hot pack
IFT
If disc compression is there, go for lumbar traction
Health Tips
Please do exercise as prescribed & thought by physiotherapist.
Take care while in bending & sitting position.
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Go to nearby physiotherpy centre take proper physiotherpy treatment
Next Steps
Start than after stretching exercise
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We can't say pain is due to space reduction & you are young no need to wory much ,
For your height & weight BMI looks overweight , Pain may be due to muscle tightness in buttock region ( need to asses ) first
Next Steps
100 % curable with proper exercises
Health Tips
contact online for exercises suggestion & weight management
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Take traction for a week with IFT, the pain will be reduced, later you can start with stretching and strengthening exercises.
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Hi, a good physiotherapy assessment is needed to identify what protocol and exercises are needed
Along with that, sit for small intervals with proper support.
Early conservative management reassures early recovery
Health Tips
No bending forward or lifting weight, avoid sitting for long hours and maintain good posture
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After the clinical assessment the physio can guide you better. This compression in your back aggravates when the surrounding muscles are tight and eventually weak after a long time . So releasing and then strengthening these muscles can ease a lot of pain .
Next Steps
Postural correction
Health Tips
Hot fomention at bed time
Supervised stretching exercises
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Dr. Neetu Rathi (PT)
Physiotherapist
17 yrs exp
Gurgaon
Greetings from the Rid of Pain Physiotherapy
If you are having back pain for so long it's turning into chronic. Better you connect with the physiotherapist who can diagnose the reason behind and treat it from the root cause. For more details connect us too , we will definitely help you resolve the pain from the cause.
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Ms. Shefali Gandotra (PT)
Physiotherapist
20 yrs exp
Jammu
Please consult online . You need guidance regarding posture, how to carry out ADL, exercises to strengthen back muscles.
Next Steps
Hot packs to be applied twice a day at the back
Health Tips
Visit physiotherapy clinic for electrotherapy
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Dr. Naveen Babu (PT)
Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
13 yrs exp
Hyderabad
It’s due to weak stability of two spinal segmental ligaments which triggered by weakness of spinal muscles .
Next Steps
Try to unlock facet joint & relieve stress over disc with manipulation or decompression traction.
Health Tips
Avoid flexing movements
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.