93 rear door will not open

I took the cover off for the inside door lock (the plastic part that has the orange indicator on it) and I'm unable to move the rod that would let me manually unlock it (power lock isn't unlocking it either). I hate to have to but I think I may wind up tearing the door panel off unless someone has an alternative

Is it common for an older lock to seize up? What can I do to get the door open, while causing as little damage as possible?