I am planning to start biking on a regular basis as a means of transportation, exercise and general recreation, but I have some concerns and questions regarding riding after a herniated disk.

This past December I herniated a disk in my lower back while playing tennis, went to the ER and they told me to suck it up and go home. It never felt quite right after that, and then in March I re-herniated it, again while playing tennis. This time they gave me some muscle relaxants and I did the whole physical therapy bit (mainly strengthening core muscles and doing stretches). Problem is I can still feel that it's "off," by this point I've conceded that it is never going to be 100% again and I'm sure it is going to herniate again. At only 18 years old, that really sucks. I'm not playing tennis competitively anymore, only hitting around once in a while.

Anyway, I'm worried about the constant leaning forward positon that it seems like you have to hold on most bikes (I haven't been on a bike since I was about 10), is most of the weight on your arms/shoulders, or do you have to use your lower back muscles a lot?

Has anybody on the forum had a herniated disk and found it affects riding?

As far as bikes go, I'm not sure what kind I should be looking at. I will be mainly riding on the road, but will also need to go on some gravel/rocky roads and I will be pulling a trailer most of the time. And suggestions on what type of bike I should look into would be great as well.

Thanks in advance,
Corgi