What is the best treatment for sciatic pain? my dr recommended a mri but said the treatment won't change regardless. should i do it or can other stuff

What have you tried?: It depends on the cause of the pain what the treatment should be. Have you tried physical therapy? Do antiinflammatory medications like Ibuprofen and Aleve (naproxen) (taken with food) give you any relief? Are there certain things that cause it to flare or make it better? An MRI would be indicated if certain things have been tried and they failed and the cause is unknown to guide further treatment.

Don't image too fast: Usually due to a herniated disk, most sciatica goes away by itself in 4-6 weeks with physical therapy. Surgery not indicated until 4-6 weeks of no relief. Mri pointless until surgery is indicated.

Try exercise: Check on line for stretches or exersizes for sciatica and piriformis syndrome. Next try physical therapy. If these don't work MRI may be needed.