my mom (gretchen... usually posts in the "new riders" section ) just had surgery for a herniated disc that was causing a cyatic nerve.

this was about two weeks ago, and she's back on the trainer. the dr. said that she'd be back outside (on the bike) in about a week. same bike fit... from what she's said she's almost back to normal now... though this disk was in the lower part of her back (not sure how big a diference it makes where it is along your spinal cord...)

i'll tell her to post in this forum, so you can hear it from her!