what will MRI show for a problem back?

I have had a lower back problem for many years that comes and goes.  Sometimes it is severe and I get sciatica and have trouble standing up or sitting for long periods of time.  There are times though that I feel pretty good.  I am scheduled for an MRI and I am in one of those feeling pretty good moments.  Will the MRI still show a problem without the related pain?

Thanks for any help!

[selmaS]

Hi...yes if there is an issue regardless if it is causing pain now or not....it should show.A condition will not go away....but pain can cycle.

If u have degenitive disk disease or bulging disks it will show.

Good luck
"Selma"

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Yes MRI is a very sensitive test to pick up abnormalities of the spine like disc herniation, disc prolpase, spinal stenosis and lumbar spondylosis.

The course of treatment will depend upon these findings.

Regards