Cycling with low back pain
Wasn't sure if this fits better here on in the 50+ forum, but here goes.
I have been bicycling more or less regularly since my college days in the 1970s. I now have a couple of bulging discs, thanks to my foolishness with a Nautilus machine, and get pretty severe back pain if I ride more than 20-25 miles. Even without riding I get leg pain and numbness if I sit too long or stand in one place too long.
So, my question is what could I do to be able to ride further? I have considered a recumbent, but I am not sure that would really help. My bicycles are 25-30 years old and in good repair, but I haven't adjusted anything in probably 20 years. Back then I was pretty compulsive about getting things set up right, and have felt things like seat height, stem length, handlebar height, and seat fore-aft setting were at their optimum for my body.
Does anybody have any experience with riding recumbents vs standard bicycles with bulging or herniated discs?
Thanks,
Mike