Improvement during the follow-up period was found in both the methylprednisolone and saline groups. The combination of methylprednisolone and bupivacaine seems to have a short-term effect, but at 3 and 6 months, the steroid group seems to experience a "rebound" phenomenon.

Modic changes are common MRI findings in patients with degenerative lumbar disc disease. We found evidence that Modic Type II changes may be less stable than previously assumed.

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

In addition to short-term effectiveness for contained herniations and lesions at L3-L4-L5, steroid treatment also prevented surgery for contained herniations. However, steroid was countereffective for extrusions. The results of the subgroup analyses call for a verification study.

A significant association is indicated between atheromatous lesions in the abdominal aorta and low back pain.