Everyone's problem is a bit different. There are several areas where the nerves can be pinched. Riding a bike ha never bothered me, but I can't sit for very long without a special pad or leaning forward to place the weight onto my thighs. I went to a spinal surgeon and he would not prescribe an MRI until I completed 6 weeks of physical therapy. I've been doing core exercises, like hanging knee raises for years, but that's no cure for me. I've been in therapy for only a couple of weeks and I'm feeling better, but I was feeling better just before the problem suddenly became worse. My therapist hooks me up to some sort of electrical device that makes my lower back and butt tingle. It actually seems to help.