Just a quick update. After 6 months of prolotherapy, yoga, and stretching exercises, my low back pain has generally improved. It took a while to dial in, but I love my set up on my recumbent now. On many days I can ride without any added lumbar support and riding the bent actually is therapeutic when my back goes out....[my pet theory is that by elevating my feet and putting the weight on my shoulders, I relieve the spinal compression causing the nerve pain, which allows my muscles to relax and spinning at a high cadence works out the muscle spasms].
I have even been able to ride an upright bike this year ---albeit I have had to dramatically change my riding posture and technique---more upright, no mashing...no "pulling" up hills with my hamstrings (which aggravate my low back)