I also have arthritis in my lower spine, with two spurs that irritate the sciatic nerve. Went to PT for a month. what has worked for me is gentle work on an arc trainer for 30 minutes, then I also do an abductor/adductor workout at the lowest weight, 3 reps of 10 each, then on the bike for 20 minutes at the lowest resistance. I also do am yoga with Rodney Yee, and am looking at doing TaiChi. I keep moving because I don't want to end up in a wheelchair! I am fortunate to have a hot tub in which to relax and do some stretches there, and my hubby bought me a great chair to sit in when I sew. It is a bugger gettin old, but every day I wake up on the right side of dirt is a good day.