I do need advice. I have been debating back and forth for 3 months. As many of you know, I have degenerative disc disease in my neck. He basically said that I have no disc left and he thinks that is what is causing my back, neck and shoulder pain.

The last time I saw him, he basically said that I should wear a cervical collar for when I sleep and, if it doesn't get 75% better, I should get an epidural block. The pain hasn't gotten any better. It is continuously in my upper back. I keep hoping that is due to the storms we have been having or my sitting too long, but I think he may be right.

I underwent back surgery about 10 years ago. I had two shoulder surgeries in 2007 after I got beat up at work. I do not want another surgery and I don't think I want anyone messing around with my neck putting this epidural block in. I keep thinking that, if the guy misses or something, I could be paralyzed.

I also keep thinking to myself that, if I lose the weight, than maybe there won't be so much pressure on my neck and my body and it won't be as affected. I doubt if that is true as I was my goal weight when I had my back surgery. I keep going to pick up the phone to make the call to get the epidural block, but I just keep waiting and hoping that each day will get better. It isn't.

Has anyone ever had one of these before? What does it entail? Would you do it again? Any thoughts would be welcome.