###Human: What is the best treatment option, apart from surgery or minimally invasive surgery, for sciatica? ###Assistant: Hello, Sorry to hear this. The MRI does show degenerative disease of the lumbar spine mainly at L45 L5S1 level. The main indications for surgery are as follows  Thus the decision for surgery is generally based on both patient perception as well as thorough clinical examination. He needs to visit a surgeon for examination. Generally speaking, the surgeon usually recommends a non surgical treatment first if there are no neurological deficits. These may include rest, activity modifications, medications,physiotherapy, combination of nerve blocks and/or facet blocks etc. Wishing him a speedy recovery. Best wishes.