Question
I was trying to make sense of the x-ray results I recently received. I was involved in a MVA approximately 5 weeks ago and have been having pretty severe consistent low back pain which radiates to my upper buttocks area since. I have had mild sporadic low back pain throughout the years but nothing like the pain I have now.

The findings of x-ray were: Mild disc space narrowing with subchondral sclerosis and anterior spondylosis at L4-5. Impression: Disc degeneration and spondylosis at L4-5.

What does this mean and is this a result of MVA or aging?

Thanks,
Tonya Peterson

Answer

Star Soma   Hi, Tonya,

In my view, the radiologist's x-ray findings completely miss the point.  They describe effects, not causes.

the cause:
Your back muscles are in spasm.  That causes disc space narrowing and spondylosis.

the cause of the cause:
protective muscular reflex triggered by the MVA

Please see these articles for more of an understanding.
http://somatics.com/recovery_from_injury.htm
http://somatics.com/wordpress/chronic-back-pain/

Ask, and I will make a recommendation for your recovery.