Hey 24 years of Army Airborne status finally blew out the back, L5-S1 Disckectomy in 94. Started riding in 06 and re-injured my back in 07 (3 rutured disks, 2 torn disks, and fractured T-10). Put 8K miles on a 883 Custom now on an Ultra.
Best advice, keep the wieght down, stay in shape, especially your core muscles and abs - and do the silly exercises that the PT tells you to.
Haven't had any problems riding, my wifes Saturn L300 hurts more.