Question
I was rammed by a speeding car while stopped on 7/13/07. I'm suffering severe cervical pain, thorasic and lumbar pain. My concern is the lumbar area, where the pain is sometimes unbearable. I had am MRI and it came back negative for both the thorasic and the lumbar. I am confused that if the MRI is negative, why would I be having so much pain and trouble bending and even walking. When I walk, I feel as if I waddle. Who should I go see and what are some reasons for this. My thorasic MRI was also negative and the cervical MRI found that the lordotic curvature is straight across the length of the cervical spine, disc herniation at C4-C5, osteophytosis w/ rt lateral recess stenosis at C5-C6. I have, since the accident been suffering horrible muscle spasms that seem to be coming more and more fequent. Is there any way to avoid these spasms as the cripple me for the duration. Thank you for your response and your site.

Answer
The negative lumbar MRI is most likely in response to any damage to the spine - looking for broken vertebra or disc damage.  Muscles that are involved don't really show as problems.  However, the muscles typically tighten up in the affected area to guard against any further trauma.  The resulting tension can cause major pain.  

I suggest talking with your doctor for possible short-term use of muscle relaxants.  I also suggest slow stretching exercises such as yoga to help relieve the tense muscles.  Your doctor can order physical therapy to help with that aspect.

Thank you for your question, Maria.  I hope that my answer was helpful.