Well the more it hurts, the more damage is done, the longer it takes to heal, and etc etc. Dont wait to see a doctor about this. Youare describing a lot of how I felt before it got worse. So dont wait dont wait dont wait dont wait dont wait don't wait etc etc etc etc etc
If youc atch it early, you can recover and lead a healthy lifestyle still--- and keep precautions to avoid recurrance. But if youkeep going and it is this problem, youare doing more damage.
Pain occurs for a reason. DOnt ignore your nerves.