question: I was injured in a car accident, in which i was struck from behind during a standstill, at a pretty moderate speed.  I have had many problems with my middle and lower back since.  It has been three years, and still no relief.  Staying in same position or walking too much makes it worse.  Sometimes the pain radiates down my buttock to my left leg, and other times it just becomes stiff.  It almost always feels tight and spasms.  I also have a large lump adjacent to my spine that sticks out from the left side.  It is kind of hard, but spongy..and if I push in on it too hard, it radiates pain.  If I bend forward, and a run my finger down the side, you can feel it pretty well and also see it.  I am only 26 years old, and wonder if I have permanent damage.