I am going to agree with gator head. If a MRI says the words "SEVERE" that can often indicate a situation you need another opinion for. don't do any surgery until you get this second opinion. Narrowing of the cord, is what causes much of your leg pain. Make sure if you decide on invasive proceedures, that the verterbre above and below the site to be worked on, are strong enough for the hardware they will put in. This is something I did not question, and I wound up with a second unwanted, painful but fairly successful sugery. I do wish you all the best. You will find support no matter what direction you go in right here. ginnie