The mri says "severe" disc herniation and spinal cord swelling and compression" what does this mean?

Not good: Your veretebrae bones are seperated by the discs. Your vertebrae make a canal that your spinal cord is protected by. If your disc has a severe herniation, then the contents of the disc are now pushing up against the spinal cord within the spinal canal. Think of your disc as a tube of toothpaste that was left open and now toothpaste is coming out. See your doctor, this needs to be addressed.

Time to see Dr.: Based on your description, you need to see a spine specialist for a thorough evaluation and treatment recommendations. Check out spine-health.Com. Good luck.