Now that you've seen a doctor, and nothing more was done for you, I will relate my sciatica story. Last Thanksgiving I wound up with severe lower back pain after skiing. I've had a history of infrequent lower back pain, kept in check with regular swimming. Well, no swimming for the past year, and while in bad pain, I did get into a pool the next day. At least I could walk, albeit slightly bent. Swimming helped to get me feeling better, but the condition progressed into sciatica. That's when I went to my doctor. He x-ray'd my spine, and sent me to a biker chiropractor. I kept swimming every day, and had a few chiropractic visits as well. After several weeks the sciatica improved, and became simple lower back pain again. This is called centralization, where the pain retreats back to the spine, and does not radiate into sciatica. I watch my posture, and read a good book that my brother sent me called 7 Steps to a pain Free Life by Robin Mckenzie. As long as your doctor sent you home with drugs and some exercises, you best get some education on this stuff, as it might not be your last go-round. I've read most sciatica simply goes away over time. I believe I need to be proactive, especially as I age. It is interesting to note that I'd had no problems on my pro-fitted road bike, but got into trouble riding my wife's upright MTN bike. Whatever the situation, swimming will be part of my life, all year long.