MRI is a useful prognostic tool for identifying patients with HNP-induced sciatica with a benign natural course.

The results showed that the beneficial effect of a single infusion of 3 mg/kg of infliximab for herniation-induced sciatica is sustained in most patients over a 1-year follow-up period. Furthermore, infliximab does not seem to interfere with the spontaneous resorption of disc herniations.

Infliximab did not appear to interfere with disc herniation resorption over a 6-month period.

Periradicular corticosteroid does not have a negative effect on the spontaneous resorption of the herniated nucleus pulposus.

Arterial stenosis is associated strongly and consistently with patient-estimated physical ability,but only slightly with subjective pain symptoms. Interestingly, new stenosis is preceded by pain symptoms. The evaluation of lumbar blood flow may thus be useful in clinical practice.