Back Pain Forum - Activity Makes It Worse...

Four and half years ago, the tightness was just in my right knee (it felt twisted). Then, over the course of the next few years, I began experiencing stiffness and pain (mild at first, I could still work on my feet) in the right hip, right ankle, right big toe joint (it will pop once after I have been sitting or standing for a few minutes, then start moving around), sharp pain under the right heel, shooting pain in the left buttock/hamstring area through the lower back on the left side, sharp pain on the outside of the lower left leg (especially after walking) tightness in the entire lower/upper back, and a dull ache in the right shoulder (front and back) through the sternum. I used to be active with cycling, walking, strength training, swimming, running, stretching (especially yoga), and pilates, but now I experience enough aggravation that after 10 minutes of walking, I have to stop and get off my feet (i usually get so stiff from sitting that I normally lie down). After I have been inactive (like sitting in a vehicle or typing at a computer), then start moving around, my spine, sternum/right shoulder, hips and ankles will crack and pop a few times during activity, then do it again after I have been still, then start moving again.
I have had x-rays of the various joints, an mri of the lower back (report in mar 2004 stated mild degeneration/bulge of l5), been to many chiropractors, reflex massage therapists, had acupuncture, used lots of analgesic balms, took lots of supplements (had access to many because of my previous work in the natural food industry), herbs, and otc pain relievers. Even though these approaches may have helped me in other areas (i had high hopes that "this is going to do it"), I did not experience lasting results.
I'm sure lots of people live with physical/emotional pain that doesn't appear to have relief in sight. I am going to be 34 in nov. And am so exhausted by this, that I don't know what to do to help myself. I have begun the process of seeking a disability through the va because it is becoming more difficult to carry on regular employment (especially when it involves excessive standing and sitting).
Any ideas on what this is and a process of how it can be remedied would be greatly appreciated by me. I am still too motivated to lay on a couch and feel my life get stolen from me.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to this note. You are awesome! Scott