Will an mri show a herniated disk even after the pain has gone?

Yes: However, 60%of disc herniations are gone or smaller on follow up mri's 6 months later in people who get better-905 are treated non operatively.

Yes: It sure can. Just because the pain is gone does not mean the herniation is gone.

It may or it may not: As disc herniations have been shown to shrink in size or resolve over time as demonstrated on sequential mri's over a period of 6 months 60% are smaller or not demonstrated any longer in persons who had sciatic symptoms, also realize that asymptomatic people with MRI can reveal a disc herniation and sciatica can occur without a herniation with other sources for the pain.

Yes: If you have a herniated disc, the MRI will show it. The majority of patients with herniated discs will get better in 6-10 weeks.