Sure Pace if you have mild pain with muscular spasm then graduated exercises are fine. that is what a good spinal surgeon will prescribe. The problem is that if this doesn't work and you leave it your chances of getting back to paid employment let alone flying is 30%
An MRI is merely a diagnostic tool that helps us decide which route to take.
The facts are clear: in parts of Germany where an MRI is always undertaken within 5 days of onset 70% of patients are back at work in two months. In the uk where MRI is effectively rationed the figure is 30%. Most pilots have one objective: to get back to work.