FTM - Epidural?

FTM here - just wondering how many of you have successfully gone through childbirth without an epidural and/or do you plan to get an epidural with this pregnancy? I have pretty bad scoliosis and the thought of a needle in my back is causing me some extreme anxiety. But every time I mention to someone that I’m thinking about going epidural-free, all I get are comments about how I won’t be able to handle it. It’s incredibly discouraging for me and is causing me even more anxiety. I know birth plans change and I’m definitely not against medicated childbirth, it’s simply the fact of the needle in my already messed up back. Any thoughts/comments from those who have been through it before are appreciated! Feeling lost at the moment! 😕