Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the examination of choice for diagnosing LDHs.It has the advantage of having no known side effects or morbidity, no radiation exposure, and is noninvasive. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI in detecting annular tears, disc herniation, and nerve root swelling has been confirmed in several studies. MRI findings have been correlated to clinical findings and are strong predictors of surgical outcomes. However, morphological abnormalities demonstrated by MRI do not always reflect LBP or sciatica. MRI should be interpreted with consideration of full clinical signs, symptoms, and other relevant background.