Smiley - It is good to go to an ortho to see what is going on? Then, if you don't opt for surgery, but at least you know what is going on. It sounds like you did that so here is my 2 cents worth. I have been suffering from a bad back since I was in my 20's so I have a lot of experience. I did not have surgery and still do not plan to. Mine is lower back.

So I am religious about stretching (yoga type stuff is best for me); also core strengthening cannot be overdone, unless you try to increase your workouts too quickly! For me, I have learned that no matter what I am doing, strength training, riding, tennis, etc., if I increase activity too quickly, i.e. doing 20 mile rides and then increasing to 60 or 80 too soon, I will be in trouble. If I climb too much after not climbing much, same thing. So, small increments of increase in your activity is key. What I think this does is gets your muscles stronger without straining the back and causing inflammation. Then, as you increase, you muscles compensate and your back does not and then does not get inflamed.

The core workouts are key because the abdomen takes over with the strength of the core rather than the back, thus less back pain. I do have to take ibuprofen for inflammation when it gets bad - so you might call me an addict, but I do try to not take it when I do not need it. Which if I am a good girl and do all the above, I don't need as much.

Incremental increases in work is very hard to do, but it is very key. I know that life gets in the way and you don't get to train, but you have a long ride planned - and sorry to say, I do it too. I go out and do too much and then I suffer - but at least I know that if I was a good girl this would not happen. You learn what you can and can't do - and adjust your workouts accordingly. This does not mean you can't do a lot! I have raced mountain bikes, road bikes, done 4 person 24 hour races, hillclimbing races, played tennis, softball, and hiked the grand canyon. So, don't give up hope, it just takes a little more planning!

All my support is coming your way! It is not easy, but I know you can do it!

jan