So again I was unable to run today, pain all down my lower back and right leg. I'm now thinking it is Sciatica or a trapped nerve. Haven't been able to run since Christmas eve.
However I have been hammering the exercise bike as I don't feel any pain when I am on that and want at least to keep up my fitness levels (I have been doing 45 minutes and about 22k).
My question is should I just rest up completely until the back pain eases or is it ok to go on the bike?
As far as I am aware cycling can put strain on the lower back area, I was advised not to cycle with si joint issues. I was put on anti inflammatory medication such as nsaid ibuprofen over the counter (unless you have gut bleeding/irritation) and naproxen from the gp. It is likely an inflammation that is irritating the nerve but some cases can be more serious so check with your gp.
Chris, you are in need of medical advice and very few of us on here are qualified to give it. Consult your GP.
I would err on the side of caution though and stop "hammering" the exercise bike.
I hope you get it sorted soon.
I think you are right but getting a GP appointment is another matter, might go to a walk on centre.
Try to see a physio to get a diagnosis. You will then also get advice on how to get it right again.
Until then rest up.
Go see someone who knows... you are probably not doing your back any good at all...
I would recommend seeing a physiotherapist. My hubby was having severe lower back pain and a numb foot and we learned that the sciatic nerve, in some people, can run through the piriformis muscle. If this muscle is tight (not uncommon in runners), it could be the cause of your pain. Regular Physio has helped. Normally sciatic pain should be worse with sitting, but given how his muscles were tightened up, that wasn't the case for him. I'd also ease off on the cycling until you get this figured out, which hopefully won't be too long, but the longer you let it go, the longer it could take to heal.
Stop any strain and see a medical pro. Those symptoms go from bad to worse quicker than you think.
I agree that you should see a GP. I suppose it's OK to walk into walk on center too but l would shoot off to see a good osteopath or a sports physio before you've finished reading this. When it was happening to me l ignored it, then I fiddled with a GP and then l lived to regret it.
You may think I'm too cautious but this comes from a guy who got injured twice, both badly, and each time l defied logic by failing to listen to my body and understand the warning signs. No need to repeat my feat, no fun there to be found.
Look, a doc could charge you for a few sessions, give you some good exercises and you miss a few runs.
But at worst you could enter my experience, pay for a lot of sessions (that's cash each time, no credit, no concessions), miss running for months, and to add to the fun, it could affect your work and daily life coz your body could be out of sync.
Who wants that?
On the Bench or IC
Advice needed please
Advice needed please 
I'm on the IC!!!
