I am so sorry to hear of your dilemma. I am curious has your doc told you to limit your lifting for awhile? The only thing that I can think of that might help is a very good back brace. The kind that you go to an orthotics and have made. You would need a script for it if your doc thinks it is a good idea. I have one that has metal stays in the front and back. Laces up on the sides and the laces are to be pulled tight. It helps keep me from twisting or bending in ways that will cause inflammation. It sounds alot worse than it is. I wear a rib knit tight fitting tank style t shirt under it so that it does not rub and irritate the skin. As far as the nerve pain the only thing that I can think of might be the nerve pain meds. Have you asked your doc for suggestions? It will not help while working but after work if you put ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off on your back it will help a great deal with the inflammation. I would think that your doc would not want you lifting at least until it heals up some. Good luck and keep us posted.