I've got bulging discs in my lower back and degenerative wear. Before I took up cycling, I was taking 1200 mg ibuprofen daily, had painful sciatica nerves, and took early retirement from my job because I was so miserable.
First, I bought an electric bike because I was afraid I would get stranded somewhere unable to ride home. I used it for about a year then bought a 1990's Trek. I rode that for another year. I noticed that the riding position of being bent over around 45 degrees seemed to stretch open the spaces between my discs and eased the pain somewhat. After years of commuting, I wanted to go car-lite so I dedcided to get a folding bike. Bought myself a Bike Friday and 4 weeks later sold the Trek! Riding on 20" wheels in a city is so much easier than a bike with 700c wheels, more nimble and easier to stop. I decided to fork over the money and pay for a bike fit with a professional fitter after I damaged my knee riding. To make the story shorter, let's just say best money ever spent!!! I have not taken ibuprofen for my back in more than a year. I still have trigger spots that are painful but sciatic pain is quite rare now. In those instances where I don't ride for a day or two, I begin to feel discomfort again. I ride around 15-20 miles per day and, if I skip it, I notice it physically and mentally as well. My doctor is astounded at the difference it has made in controlling what was once chronic pain.