03/21/2026
Lower back pain from an L5 S1 disc herniation can be stubborn. Many people start stretching or exercising to help their back feel better, but some of the most common movements may actually increase stress on the injured disc.
I see this happen often. People are putting in the effort to recover, but certain exercises quietly place pressure on the exact part of the spine that is already irritated.
In this video, I show you four exercises that people with an L5 S1 disc herniation should avoid. Some of them seem harmless, and one of them surprises almost everyone.
I also explain why these movements may aggravate the disc and how they may prolong back or leg symptoms if the spine is not ready for them yet.
Check out the video link below.
A lumbar disc herniation at L5–S1 often becomes worse when exercises repeatedly bend, twist, or heavily load the lower spine. These movements increase pressu...