Been there for the last 5 years or so, and twice. Never leave anything related to the spine to heal itself. If you feel pain, most likely the disc is exerting pressure on the nerves which may lead to inflammation and damage them in long term. In most cases at early stage physiotherapy and exercise will solve the problem for long, but you want to be on the safe side.
@dajbelshaw In both cases this was my own stupidity so nothing to be sorry about π When you're tall you need to be extra careful about your back...