I came to find without intention or apparent reason I had stopped riding in the drops. I put in a lot of miles riding on the hoods exclusively - even when making myself as aero as possible I just got down real low on the hoods. Again I do not know exactly why.

When this omission was pointed out to me, I rediscovered the benefits of riding in the drops - that you all know. However, halfway through my daily base ride (35 Mi) I am experiencing back discomfort. (maybe this could be the reason I stopped, I don't recall, don't think so...)

What should I do to eliminate this and prevent it becoming a chronic issue?

I have a clue ... it seems in making the adjustment, I may have altered my pedaling whereby pushing more.

I am wondering if there is too much sway in that region and if I should slide my saddle a bit fwd.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

I know a lot about back pain, f'ed my back up twice in the past few years. I stretch it, do lots of crunches and pushups and I think it has helped a lot, along with putting lots of miles while in the drops. I even f'd my back up about a month ago, didn't work for two days but was on my bike, in the drops within a week even though there's still some lingering pain in the morning, and I avoid lifting heavy things up cause of pain. I have to think that the pushups and stuff helped stretghen by back up, sped up healing, and prevented major damage.

Of course, a proper fitting bike may be all that you need.

Ever since rowing started up again, I can go all day without my back hurting. Try doing more core and back workouts.

Try core workouts that work the abs and lower back.
For the lower back stuff, I go light, 25 or 30lb dumbbells in each hand and with knees flexed lower my back until the weights are almost or to the floor and slowly bring myself back up concentrating on the back muscles and trying not to work the hamstrings.
If you have access to a gym there are a lot of new machines that are excellent for working both muscle groups.
Oh yeah, and riding in the drops more often will help you too.
Hope this helps.

Hey thanks for the replies!

However, I should add that cycling is not all that I do as exercise. In fact, part of my routine is 500 sit ups/500 Pushups a day .. and that's only part of it.

I am not bragging, this is only to say that I've got that core development checked.

I did originally get my bike fitted. However, since, I've made fore/aft saddle adjustments.