Good news, there is life on the bike after a back injury. DH has had a chronic back condition (work related) for years. He has a couple of bulging disks that will flare up now and then. He has been through PT, shots, steroids, pain killers, anti inflammatory drugs and was just short of surgery. The key here is to be smart. When he starts to feel that twinge in his back telling him that a flare up is starting, he knows he needs to back off. He will cut back on any activity that may make it worse. If he takes it easy, he seems to come out of the episode quicker. He is still able to cycle (both indoor and out), ski and do other physical activities as long as he is not in a flare up. And +1 on core strengthening! His PT really emphasize the importance of a strong core.