Study: Follow-up MRI Not Useful in Sciatica

A follow-up MRI doesn’t help evaluate results after treatment for sciatica, a new study finds. Sciatica is caused by pinching, irritation or damage in the sciatic nerve. Symptoms include pain or weakness in the lower back or leg. Most people feel better in a couple of months. Others need surgery to get relief. Doctors often order an MRI to show if there’s a bulging (herniated) disk pressing on or irritating the nerve. The new study included nearly 300 people with sciatica. All of them showed signs of a bulging disk on an MRI scan. They received surgery or more conservative treatments, such as exercise. After a year, they were given follow-up MRIs. About 85% of people reported that their treatment was successful. But researchers couldn’t tell from the MRIs who had good results and who didn’t.