OP, it is hard to say without an actual diagnosis. I can tell for a fact, however, that when I train, shit hurts way less. This is anecdotal, but many people have the same experience, so I don't see how lifting with good form would be detrimental. This last part is important, I certainly have hurt my neck due to bad form in the past.
Getting a guy who occasionally uses a bike to do a LP might prove to be a challenge though. Best of luck with that.