I've had back probelms in the past as well. Completely blew a disk out. Surgery not an option. I was put on a regimin of back exercises and was told to walk as much as possible and cycle on smooth roads. Wasn't allowed to be anywhere near my horse for about a year. After a year I was cleared for light trail riding. I was told the regenrative process takes about 5 years total. Now well beyond that 5 years I can cycle, ride my horse, and do a number of other things, BUT if I hit a bump on my road bike I still get that "twinge" that tells me there was pressure on some nerves. This spring I switched to a recumbent. Best move I ever made. Now nothing hurts, not even my back. Even hitting a pot hole does not bother my back in any way. I think there is a lot to be said for recumbents.

'bent Brian