I keep trying to work through the pain, too, but it gets more difficult with time. I've really seen a noticeable decline in the past year. When I lived on the farm, I worked through the pain cuz I had to...hauling firewood, feed, what have you.... I thought I woosed out when I moved into town last year, but now I realize the the timing was right.
I started walking to work, a 3 mile jaunt round trip...nothing too strenuous, but it's helped. At least from the waist down anyway.