I need some help and advice about what I'm going thru right now. I have been off my bike for about 9 months now (to give a hamstring tear/leg pain a rest) I took up swimming in its place and immediately had severe neck pain. I kept swimming and ultimately the pain became so severe I had to have an MRI. It showed I have severe central stenosis, bone spurs, and a bulging disc (C5-6). Needless to say, I stopped swimming, but now my leg feels better and I want to start riding my bike again, but I can hardly hold my head up (can make about 10 miles only). I tried a round of Prednisone, but after reading these posts I realize doc had me on a very small dose (only 24 mg total first day, then tapered down to 4mg on 6th day--really nothing). No pain relief so I'm still taking ibuprofen and vicodan round the clock. Doc says maybe we'll try a epidural block, but he thinks my condition is too far gone. He told me I will probably need a fusion (surgery) soon. He also told me NO riding because I cannot risk a fall or any trauma to my neck. I am very depressed and am secretly going out on 10 mile rides for my emotional well being. Not sure what the future holds. I will probably never race again but just want to feel good on my bike and be able to ride like I used to (30 to 40 mile group rides). Anybody out there have any advice or suggestions? Anybody ever go through a fusion surgery? I think right now I will try an epidural to see if I get some pain relief. I wish I had never stopped cycling and never started swimming--that probably made all this come about. If you are fit on the bike, never stop! If you don't use it, you lose it!! Especially when you get older (I'm 48). Thanks! Sooz