I'm glad to see this thread, as I am currently in the middle of the first steps of trying to sort out my own back issues. The Doc said I have a damaged disc low in my back. It gives me immense pain and causes Sciatica pain in one leg. I can't walk more than 2/10 of a mile before the pain hits me. Cycling has been curtailed a great deal due to the resulting pain. The complication is that I MUST exercise to try and control my diabetes. I have gained 20 hard fought pounds back that I lost last year as a result.

Doc says PT first, and then shots to control my pain. He assured me there are many steps in between where I am now and surgery. It hurts so much, I find myself just wanting to jump to surgery and skip everything before it. I suspect I will end up with surgery and have been worried about my ability to cycle as a result. At the end of a lousy few weeks of pain, everybody's postings give me great hope.

Thanks!