Pinched Nerve - Acro, Genetics, just getting older??

I always want to attribute every new weird medical problem I have to Acromegaly :-) I'm not sure that's what's causing it in this case. I've had a pinched nerve in my leg now for the last 5 weeks, possibly caused after I did some digging with a shovel. The pinch didn't happen immediately after, it was a couple days later. I wouldn't think a little digging would cause a problem like this for a 32 year old, but I could be wrong! I was told after x-ray that I have spine arthritis in the T4-T8 area, with some disc thinning. The Dr sent me to physical therapy and told me I can exercise, but should avoid lifting over 50 lbs, and back contortions (no yoga for me). The last few weeks resting, elevating the leg, and heat have really decreased the pain. Increased activity seems to make the pain worse. My family has a history of back problems so genetics may be playing into the equation.

I've also noticed that there seems to be some relation between repetitive actions and increased muscle aches for me. I'm an avid reader, but I've purposely avoided reading lately. The pain and tightness on the left side of my neck and shoulder (and headaches on the left side) seem to have gone away. I'm wondering if the pain was caused by too much reading, holding the book in my left hand for hours at a time, day after day. I've noticed at other times when I overdo things my muscles ache as well. But I don't think it would be overdoing it, these actions don't seem like they should be that detrimental to a person the same age without Acromegaly. Or maybe I'm just getting old! :-D I may be grasping at straws but it makes me wonder!