MRI scans will provide a detailed view of the spine, discs and condition of the nerves. The most important aspect of the MRI is the ability of the doctor to link the images on the MRI to the condition of the patient. Incidental findings (finding abnormalities when the patient has no symptoms) occur in about 15% of cases.
If the symptoms match the findings on the MRI, treatment options depend on the severity of the symptoms and compression. For mild cases, I would recommend a course of physiotherapy and exercise program designed to strengthen and stabilize the core muscles. For more severe cases, treatment options include nerve root blocks, disc injection therapy (nucleoplasty or discoplasty). For more severe compression with persistent symptoms, these patients may even need surgery.
