Lessa was spot on with laymans terms. I just want to add one thing. Besides getting another opinion, know that surgeries can and do work out OK. I have had two. In my case fused C3-7 now. My pain is tolerable, and no shooting pains down the arms anymore. Surgery is always the last resport, but when the MRI States, Severe, in the termonology, that is the time to act. Let us know how you are doing. ginnie