Decisions need to be made again. 1988 had multiple laminectomies of areas l4&5 now since 1999 problems arose since pain and difficulty with just about all everyday activities increased. Past month had mris of lumbar, thoracic and cervical sites also emg. I am a registered nurse but still find myself needing help comprehending and heading for another surgeon 8/6/06. Mri-thoracic impression changes of disc dessication w/posterior bulge t-3-t4-through t6-t7 levels rest unremarkable. Cerbvical mri disc osteophyte complex c-3-c4 through c6-c7 levels. Mild spondylotic changes in mid and lower cervical regions. Mild compression of spinal cord and narrowing of neural foramina. Cervical spinal cord unremarkable. Lumbar mri evidence of post surgical changes in mid lower lumbar region. L4-l5 disc dessication w/mild diffuse bulge noted, changes are more marked in left paracentral region w/mild compression of the thecal sac and narrowing of the left neural foramen. Mild changes of facet hypertrophy w/mild narrowing of spinal canal. At l4-l5 changes of disc dessication mild right lateral disc bulge causing narrowing of right neural foramen. Changes of facet hypertrophy without significant spinal stenosis. Emg suggests-- chronic l5 nerve root pathology evidence of ongoing acute denervation. What does it all tell you please simpify enough to help me understand just what I may be in for when I meet with my 3rd surgeon. And also, the first 2 prior to these tests already told me absolutely no surgery. I have a approximatly 13 inch scar on my back from the surgery in 1988 with thick scar tissue. Mydrs all tell me I have the equivalant of what they call a collapsed spine?? Thanks